The story of RSE - RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting: innovation is key

The RSE - RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system manages to align the technical advantages of LED technology with the essential requirements for healthy grass growth. Light plays a different role in every stage of the lifecycle, from germination to growing and maintaining the grass. Moreover, LED technology is known for consuming only a fraction of the energy conventional systems require when attributing to the grass growth. ESSMA interviewed Horst Theisen about the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system.

From concept to reality: what were the different research steps?

The first step in designing our system was understanding the pitch itself in terms of climate, wind conditions, the light spectrum and the optimal pitch temperature. After 5-6 years of pitch research, we learned and concluded that there are several quality markers to take into consideration. The next step in the process was putting all that data and information in our product development process with the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system as a result.

What makes the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system unique? 

What is the purpose of the different LED lighting colours of the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system? 

Why should stadiums and clubs use the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system?

The RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system is adaptable in terms of spectrum and heating. The availability of the daylight spectre with the least amount of heat radiation is a decisive advantage compared with conventional systems. Furthermore, the LED technology is known for consuming less energy resulting in cost savings and contributing to the environment in the long run. 

“The red LEDs ensure a healthy grass growth while the blue LEDs deliver grass density.”

Can you tell us more about the installation at 1. FC Köln and what was the club's feedback?

1. FC Köln implemented six mobile rigs, in the winter period of the 2016/17 season at their training centre and are planning to upgrade to a larger RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system. An ESSMA delegation took part in the experience tour of FC Köln’s Franz-Kremer-Stadium. We interviewed Jürgen Zielonka, Head Groundsman of 1. FC Köln Geissbockheim including the Franz-Kremer-Stadion about the RSE-RHENAC Stadium Grass Grow Lighting system and the UVC pitch decontamination product:

Next to the 1. FC Köln project, RSE-RHENAC is working together with Schalke 04. Which system is implemented at Schalke 04?

We are deploying a fully automatic pitch system at Schalke 04 with a fixed structure that includes lighting, sprinkling, IR heating and measuring devices. The system is adaptable in terms of light, heat and water emission. The results of this new system will be showcased during an RSE-RHENAC event in 2019.

This article is created on behalf of an ESSMA commercial partner. ESSMA is not liable for any inaccurate or incomplete information in this article.