The 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge is upon us. Amid much excitement, Ms Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology, got the challenge underway at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in Pretoria on Saturday. The challenge is a rally for solar-powered cars that has attracted international entrants from The Netherlands, Turkey, Cyprus, six local universities teams, and two local schools.
The race ends in Cape Town on 4 October, after passing through Sasolburg, Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Colesberg, Graaff-Reinet, Port Elizabeth, Knysna and Swellendam, a route that spans more than 2,000km. Competitors will cover an average distance of 260km a day, with some of the front-runners covering up to 6,000km fuelled only by sunlight.
Speaking at the start, Minister Pandor said, “Of particular significance to South Africa is the benefit such an event has in generating awareness that science and technology creates for our young people and the prestige it brings to our country.”“The Sasol Solar Challenge provides practical challenges that enable students to broaden their experience by getting involved in real world projects, international networking, practical learning, logistics and understanding the need for and the value of engineers. The power of innovative platforms like this event validates research into electric vehicles and renewable energy,” said the Minister.
While other solar challenge events are staged in Australia, North America, Japan and India, the South African Solar Challenge is the only solar rally event endorsed by the FIA – the governing body for world motorsport – which stipulates the rules for the three different classes of cars taking part. The event, besides providing a very entertaining spectacle, brings together more than 1,000 of the world’s leading minds in the field of solar energy.
“The Sasol Solar Challenge has all the makings of an event that will, once again, stop South Africans in their tracks. Challenges around energy are real and relevant, and South Africans are very aware of this. Adding to the fact that South Africans can relate to energy challenges, technology and innovation truly comes to life in this initiative; it is there for all to see and experience. The final ingredient to the winning recipe is the fact that young people from here and around the world – the future innovators – are at the heart of this race,” said Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CSIR Chief Executive Officer.
Follow the solar vehicles live on the Sasol Solar Challenge website here.
Source.....
The race ends in Cape Town on 4 October, after passing through Sasolburg, Kroonstad, Bloemfontein, Colesberg, Graaff-Reinet, Port Elizabeth, Knysna and Swellendam, a route that spans more than 2,000km. Competitors will cover an average distance of 260km a day, with some of the front-runners covering up to 6,000km fuelled only by sunlight.
Speaking at the start, Minister Pandor said, “Of particular significance to South Africa is the benefit such an event has in generating awareness that science and technology creates for our young people and the prestige it brings to our country.”“The Sasol Solar Challenge provides practical challenges that enable students to broaden their experience by getting involved in real world projects, international networking, practical learning, logistics and understanding the need for and the value of engineers. The power of innovative platforms like this event validates research into electric vehicles and renewable energy,” said the Minister.
While other solar challenge events are staged in Australia, North America, Japan and India, the South African Solar Challenge is the only solar rally event endorsed by the FIA – the governing body for world motorsport – which stipulates the rules for the three different classes of cars taking part. The event, besides providing a very entertaining spectacle, brings together more than 1,000 of the world’s leading minds in the field of solar energy.
“The Sasol Solar Challenge has all the makings of an event that will, once again, stop South Africans in their tracks. Challenges around energy are real and relevant, and South Africans are very aware of this. Adding to the fact that South Africans can relate to energy challenges, technology and innovation truly comes to life in this initiative; it is there for all to see and experience. The final ingredient to the winning recipe is the fact that young people from here and around the world – the future innovators – are at the heart of this race,” said Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, CSIR Chief Executive Officer.
Follow the solar vehicles live on the Sasol Solar Challenge website here.
Source.....
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