In Thessaloniki, the Kaftanzoglio National Stadium stands as a symbol of sportsmanship, culture, and collective memory. Recently, Renel Energy & Power Engineering successfully completed the installation of a new fire protection system, a project that combines engineering excellence, safety, and sustainability.
With a budget of €747,616.02 (including VAT) and a 180-day completion period, the project was funded by the Stadium’s own resources and supervised by the ANETH A.O.T.A.
A Project for Public Safety and Community Resilience
Protecting a large public venue like Kaftanzoglio is not only a technical achievement — it is an act of social responsibility. The new fire protection system now ensures:
✅ Immediate detection and suppression in case of fire
✅ Full safety coverage across all spectator, athlete, and operational zones
✅ Compliance with the latest European standards
This upgrade secures the Stadium’s ability to host major sports and cultural events safely and continuously, preserving a true civic landmark for future generations.
Inside the Engineering
Renel’s intervention combined civil, electromechanical, roadwork, and landscaping components, led by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
Key technical features included:
- Modern fire detection network with smoke and heat sensors, manual call points, and centralized control panels.
- A complete firefighting system with a new pumping station, piping, hydrants, and hose reels.
- Automated control and alarm logic for real-time response.
- Training and maintenance plans aligned with NFPA and EN standards.
The project was completed through a structured engineering process:
- Risk Assessment & Design — detailed mapping of infrastructure and identification of high-risk areas.
- System Engineering — full design aligned with the Fire Protection Regulation and international standards.
- Procurement & Installation — certified materials and equipment for reliability and efficiency.
- Testing & Commissioning — thorough operational checks ensuring seamless integration.
- Training & Handover — on-site education and long-term maintenance framework.
At Renel, we view safety as part of sustainability. By preventing damage and reducing the risk of fire-related emissions, this project:
♻️ Protects valuable resources and equipment
♻️ Minimizes waste and reconstruction impacts
♻️ Extends the operational life of the Stadium
♻️ Reinforces public trust in resilient infrastructure
“Safety is the foundation of sustainable development.Through engineering, we protect people, assets, and the city’s heritage.”
Renel’s Project Manager Sotiris Koukourikis quoted: The fire protection project at Kaftanzogleio Stadium represents a significant safety upgrade for the entire complex, strengthening its sustainable operation and ensuring compliance with regulations governing sports facilities and public venues. Throughout the project, special attention was given to minimizing disruption for athletes and staff, as works were carried out both inside the buildings and in the outdoor stadium areas.
A key challenge was the scale of the project combined with the short timeline of only six months. Despite this, 15 percent more work than initially planned was successfully completed, and the stadium has now fully returned to its regular activities. Fire extinguishers and fire hose cabinets have been installed around the entire facility to meet all relevant legal requirements and ensure the protection of everyone using the venue.
The Kaftanzoglio project marks another milestone in Renel’s commitment to engineering a sustainable and safe future. Every project, whether in energy, infrastructure, or safety, carries one common goal: to make engineering meaningful for people and the planet.
Watch the video here.
