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SOLARSAILOR GOES GLOBAL
Sydney company solarsailor introduce Australian solar capability to the world at Shanghai’s World Expo.
MEDIA RELEASE | 19.05.10
The SunTech Guosheng vessel launching
at the Shanghai World Expo 2010 |
A Sydney solarsailor was first launched in Australia in 2000, and now CEO Dr. Robert Dane and his team are thrilled to announce the commercialisation of the product outside Australia - with China recently acquiring five vessels, one for use in Shanghai and four in Hong Kong.
From Shanghai, Dr. Dane said: “As Australians we are proud to be demonstrating sustainable transport in a Chinese built vessel at the Shanghai World Expo. I think Expo will show Australia has leading edge companies and technology as a result of a combination of an open education system and a culture of innovation and finding solutions.”
The SunTech Guosheng, which will have its maiden voyage during the Shanghai World Expo, is the largest ‘series’ hybrid solarsailor vessel to date, where the propeller is driven by electric motors running on batteries, while The Hong Kong Jockey Club solar ferries will be the first commercial ‘parallel’ hybrid solar passenger ferry service in the world. The parallel hybrid technology sees diesel engines and electric motors both driving the propellers - the set up being similar to hybrid cars.
“This is a very exciting development for China and I wish to congratulate SunTech for championing this groundbreaking technology. China has the will, the means and the vision – this is consistent with China’s demonstrated commitment to increased investment in clean energy projects”, commented Mr. Bob Hawke, solarsailor Chairman.
Solarsailor Hybrid Marine Power (HMP) and solarsail technology is suitable for a widerange of applications from small-unmanned vessels to large tankers, including ferries, tourist cruisers and private yachts. The solarsail - a revolutionary, patented, single device that harvests both sun and wind energy in a seaworthy manner. The HMP system can
incorporate the use of alternative fuels such as bio fuels or gaseous fuels & is a commercial platform for hydrogen fuel cell technology in the future.
ADVANTAGES of the hybrid solar boats have:
- Fuel savings
- Zero emission capability
- Redundancy of power i.e. there are two completely separate systems driving the
propellers giving it safety if one system failed for example due to fuel contamination
the electric motors could still operate and if the electric failed the vessel can operate
as a normal diesel.
- Lower GHG, noxious gas and particulate emissions
- Potential access to environmentally sensitive routes.
Media enquiries / Interview requests, please contact:
Sarah Andersen, +61 409 428 173, sarah@springmedia.com.au or,
Fiona Nix, +61 418 668 760, fiona@nixco.com.au
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