Communication - Press
With the Flame Ring, the Cauldron of Paris 2024 Makes History
A flame without fuel made of water and light, illuminating without burning—this is an EDF achievement. With its innovative flame ring, Paris 2024 is putting the climate front and center, marking a historical moment for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. EDF, a proud platinum member of the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI), has played a crucial role in this groundbreaking project.
What if it was the star of the evening? The flame of the Paris 2024 Cauldron captivated audiences at the opening ceremony. This symbol of the Games carries a powerful message: a commitment to a more responsible, electric future in the face of global warming. The flame ring, a warm, living electric flame without fossil fuels, is a true technological feat, breaking new boundaries.
A Bold, Collective Project
EDF teams have been collaborating with Paris 2024 on this project for almost three years, from concept to reality. The flame ring is the result of a collective effort to design an alternative flame, rekindling the idea of a 100% electric flame initially explored for the London 2012 Games. Advances in LED technology enabled the creation of a flame that combines a cloud of mist with a powerful stream of light.
The simplicity of the solution, developed in EDF's Pulse Design laboratory, belies the long hours of work to ensure visibility, aesthetics, resilience, and brilliance. The project was positively received by the Paris 2024 and IOC teams, who appreciated the symbolic power of an electric flame.
Design and Development
The flame ring, nearly 7 meters in diameter, was designed by Mathieu Lehanneur and incorporates the electric flame as a central element. EDF and its partners ensured the highest standards of safety and reliability while maintaining the aesthetics of the Cauldron. The flame ring features 40 spotlights with a light output equivalent to 4 million lumens and 200 high-pressure misting nozzles, using 2-3 cubic meters of water per hour.
Manufacture and Engineering Excellence
The flame ring was manufactured by French companies specializing in architecture, design, and art. The project involved numerous studies, prototypes, and custom components, integrating 40 spotlights and 200 misting nozzles. The aluminum mechanical part, inspired by aeronautical engineering, ensures robustness and lightness. The flame ring's positioning at a height of 60 meters posed challenges comparable to those of aeronautical engineering, necessitating an innovative solution for routing electricity and water.
Water Conservation
EDF prioritized water conservation throughout the project, developing high-pressure nozzles with low water consumption and implementing a water reuse system for the fountain in the Jardin des Tuileries and misting.
A Sustainable Flame You Can Approach
Every evening, the flame ring rises into the Paris sky, carried by its balloon. During the day, it returns to the ground in the Jardin des Tuileries, allowing visitors to safely approach this unique, sustainable flame.
EDF's contribution to the Cauldron of Paris 2024 showcases their commitment to innovative, sustainable solutions. This groundbreaking project is a testament to EDF's dedication to a CO2-neutral world and a more responsible future.
For more information, visit With the flame ring, the Cauldron of Paris 2024 makes history
