July, 2021
As reported, the flame at Tokyo National Stadium and another cauldron burning along the shoreline near Tokyo Bay during the Olympics will be fueled in part by hydrogen, the first time this combustible gas will be used in an Olympic fire.
Propane has generally been used for the flame in addition to other fuel elements since the first modern cauldron was lit at the Amsterdam Games in 1928.
The Tokyo cauldron uses hydrogen produced by a factory in Fukushima prefecture that operates on renewable energy. Both propane and hydrogen were used during the torch relay and unlike propane, hydrogen does not produce carbon dioxide upon combustion. In a flame burning in air, hydrogen (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form water (H2O) and small amounts of nitrogen oxide, in addition to releasing energy in the form of thermal radiation.
The Tokyo Games cauldron was designed by Canadian architect Oki Sato as sun-inspired orb unfolds like flower petals. During the Games, the flame must remain lit as a symbol of renewal and strength.
At PREMATECNICA we are experts in keeping the flame, controlling emissions, and, like Olympic relievers, we bear the flare.
