“This is an event created to change opinions and impact the minds of the now and the future” – S. Dobroserdov, CEO Solar 1.
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There are numerous amounts of races in the world amongst which are; Formula 1, MotoGP and the Australian Solar Challenge.
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This year Sergei Dobroserdov brought Solar1 to Monaco: a race where vessels were powered solely by the sun. 24 teams from around the world participated in this first international solar powered sea race, from the 9th to 12th July. Not only was this a successful sea race, it was much more. Solar1 comprised numerous interesting and exciting experiences. This was an event for everyone. The Solar1 team aspired to raise awareness on the potential of solar energy systems and highlight the importance of education in such innovations.
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The Solar Conference was a highlight of this event; to which speakers participated to share and advise knowledge within the dedicated field. Several teams and experts presented their findings and technologies in all spheres of sustainable energy. Throughout the conference, it was visible that the strength of innovation and research lies in the vast amount of students involved. Not only were most of the 24 racing teams student-driven, but they also demonstrated the importance of gender- and race-equality in their research and responsible competitive spirit. Amongst others, the University of Cambridge student team, presented that student-knowledge is not lacking, it is, however sometimes challenging to have support and find the means to put their knowledge into practice. On the other hand, the University of Delft’s team, which were both involved in boat and car racing; showed that with good support it was possible to achieve their goals. The conference also featured presentations by professors, such as Professor Chiesa from Milan’s Politecnico who presented research on photovoltaic cell installations. Moreover, Professor Ponkala from MAMK University presented low-cost solar technologies, which led to the Solar Boat idea. Respective businesses were also represented; with a presentation from WeWi, who launched the first laptop running 100% on solar power.
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In addition to the races and conference, Solar1 also engaged children from as young as 5 years old; holding a miniature solar powered boat race in a swimming pool.
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To top off the event, proudly in attendance, was MS Tûranor PlanetSolar; the first and largest solar-powered boat to have circumnavigated the globe. PlanetSolar’s capitain, Mr. D’Alboville, states that it was “fantastic to see the bright new generation bring their knowledge into the development of this energy of the future”. Moreover, Mr. D’Alboville was “full of admiration for the ingenuity and creativity of the teams, some of whom [were] only 18 years old”.
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The core of this successful event was penultimately due to a great team, but ever so more to the university and college students from around the globe, who demonstrated that passion and research can win over perfect materials and money. It was shown that students do have the capacity to change the customs of the world, and that they play and essential role in spreading sustainability knowledge and educating present and future generations. This event encourages students to continue their investment in exploring solar energy systems and as Captain D’Alboville stated: this race was “a challenge, but above all a message of hope for the future”. Appreciation and recognition must also be given to the Solar1 Partners and Sponsors, as this 1st year event would not have accomplished the level of success that it did with out them.
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Overall, it was observed that there are ways of making education fun, and that sustainability can be incorporated into any sector of our interest. It is, thus, important to give students of all ages an incentive to explore sustainability in such fashion.
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For more information visit http://www.solar1races.com/category/news/
