Contributor Rod Christie is GE Energy’s Regional Executive of Central & Eastern Europe

Today I’m traveling to Liberec, a charming city in the Czech Republic and the site of the 2009 International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic World Ski Championships. Tonight, Liberec welcomes both royal and non-royal Nordic Ski fans from around the globe with what is expected to be a unique and exciting opening ceremony. I’m looking forward to cheering on top athletes as they prepare to compete in events ranging from ski jumping to cross-country skiing and beyond!

Power Plays: When ski fans gather for the exciting opening ceremony of the 2009 International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic World Ski Championships in the Czech Republic, GE will be there - powering and heating the Liberec Tipsport Arena.
This evening’s ceremonies are special for me for two reasons: first, because I’m a keen Nordic skier myself and second, and more importantly, because it is taking place at the Liberec Tipsport Arena. This state-of-the-art facility is not only welcoming some of the best athletes in the world, but it is also powered by two of GE’s highly efficient Jenbacher gas engines. By choosing this technology, the Tipsport Arena is helping the Czech Republic to realize its goals of increasing energy efficiency by 2.6% annually, improving local energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. GE’s next imagination breakthrough? Capturing the energy from the crowd at tonight’s opening ceremony.

* Read more about GE’s role at Liberec