QSTec hosts largest solar-powered boat at Doha pier

Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec) celebrated today the arrival of the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar- the world's largest solar-powered boat - at Doha's docks.

QSTec, a Qatar-based solar grade polysilicon company that is a supporter of innovative uses of solar technologies and applications, is hosting the boat at the Pearl pier for three weeks on its longest stopover in the region.

The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, built in Germany, is powered by 537 square metres of photovoltaic cells. 'Wings' on the front and rear of the boat can be stretched or contracted to capture more or less sun, and the rear wing has censors that allow it to move towards the sunnier side of the boat. On the boat itself, which can take up to 40 people, showers, 'lights and fridges are all powered by solar energy.

"We are excited to see these breakthroughs - once a dream - become a reality," said Dr. Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, Board Member and CEO of QSTec. "PlanetSolar's MS Tûranor demonstrates what we hope will be an end-product for QSTec's endeavors and its arrival here today strengthens our resolve to develop products that will enable the creation of new and innovative uses for solar technologies to help protect the environment."

The idea to travel the world on a vessel using no fuel and emitting no carbon dioxide was dreamt up by Swiss engineer Raphael Domjan in 2004. The challenging project, which brought together physicists, engineers and sailors, was christened PlanetSolar and gave birth two years later to the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar.

"Qatar has all the ingredients to be a powerhouse of solar energy, but above all it has the same vision that brought about PlanetSolar," commented Domjan. "We wanted to acknowledge Qatar and its support of solar initiatives through organizations like QSTec by making this our longest stopover in the Arabian Gulf."

The first solar-powered world tour kicked off on September 27, 2010 and is expected back in Monaco in May 2012.

- Ends -

About Qatar Solar Technologies:
Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec), with a vision to become a world leading integrated solar energy company is a joint venture formed between Qatar Solar (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development), SolarWorld AG and Qatar Development Bank. QSTec's US$1Bn polysilicon manufacturing plant, located in Ras Laffan Industrial City, will initially produce 8,000 MTPA polysilicon for use in the solar industry before vertically integrating along the solar value chain. QSTec's has acquired the advanced second generation technology for solar grade polysilicon production from Centrotherm Photovoltaics of Germany.

About PlanetSolar
PlanetSolar was initiated by the Swiss man Raphaël Domjan and its headquarters are in Yverdon-les-Bains in Switzerland. The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, built in Kiel in Germany, is a catamaran functioning solely with solar energy. It is covered with 572 m2 of photovoltaic cells. After two years of design and construction, PlanetSolar is at the origin of numerous technological progresses, notably in the domain of the fabrication of composite materials and in the storage of the solar energy. PlanetSolar is funded mainly by private partners, such as the Swiss watches company Candino and the German specialist in management of solar energy Immosolar, but also by public institutions such as the Swiss Confederation through Presence Switzerland. For its world tour, PlanetSolar is turning to the weather forecasts of MétéoFrance. An innovative routing software was specifically conceived for this expedition.

Features of MS Tûranor PlanetSolar

  Length: 35 m / Width: 23 m

  Height: 6.10 m / Weight: 95 t

  Solar Panels: 38'000 with 22,6% yield

  Maximum engine power: 120 kW

  Average Engine: 20 kW (26.8 HP)

  Crew: min 4 people

For further information, contact:
Kimberly Mathern
Brown Lloyd James
Mobile: +974 6645 5177
Email: kimberlym@brownlloydjames.com

© Press Release 2011, 20 December

 

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