Release
World’s largest solar-powered ship, MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, docks in Abu Dhabi for World Future Energy Summit 2012
· East to West journey of over a year stops in Abu Dhabi as part of official national stopover partnership with WFES 2012
· Ship measures 101 feet long and 49 feet wide
Having travelled more than 48,000 kilometers using only solar energy, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar has now docked in Abu Dhabi to complete its journey of over a year. The biggest solar ship ever built is currently docked at the Abu Dhabi Marina, close to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), where it will stay tied to the wharf for the entire duration of the World Future Energy Summit 2012.
The ship, which departed on September 27, 2010, from Monaco’s harbor for a journey around the world from the East to the West, will be a guest of honor at WFES 2012, as part of its official national stopover partnership with WFES 2012. Measuring around 101 feet long and 49 feet wide, the MS Tûranor represents what can be done today with solar energy. Over the past year, the ship has been circling the globe, passing by Miami to the Panama Canal, to the Philippines to Hong Kong to Doha and Abu Dhabi and will end its journey back in Monaco
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Chief Executive of Masdar said: “We are pleased to welcome PlanetSolar to Abu Dhabi for the 5th annual World Future Energy Summit. PlanetSolar’s voyage around the world spreads an important message about renewable energy and sustainable living and encompasses the wise leadership’s vision to create a greener future though a unique platform.
“Sustainable transport has an important role to play in developing future clean transport solutions and projects such as PlanetSolar and Solar Impulse, a solar aeroplane, demonstrate innovative ideas in sustainable transport solutions,” he added.
The World Energy Council estimates that total fuel demand in all transport modes by 2050 will increase by 30% (Tollway) to 82% (Freeway) above the 2010 levels and will be driven entirely by trucks, buses, trains, ships, and airplanes.
“The United Nations estimate that the shipping industry alone, is responsible for 4.5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, and PlanetSolar’s voyage actively highlights the importance of sustainability within this industry. On a local level, Abu Dhabi Ports company is actively promoting sustainability in shipping within the UAE and in 2011, received three awards for sustainability in their operations,” said Dr. Al Jaber.
Abu Dhabi is taking strides to enhance sustainable transport through a variety of measures at both Masdar and beyond. Masdar City utilizes electric vehicles and Personal Rapid Transit vehicles (driverless automated vehicles) within the City. Earlier this year, Masdar partnered with Eithad to cooperate across a range of activities to reduce the airline’s carbon footprint through sustainable and energy efficient measures.
“It’s a great honor for PlanetSolar be a part of this Summit” said Raphael Domjan, Initiator and Expedition Leader of PlanetSolar. “We believe that our planet deserves a better, brighter and less polluted future and we want to prove that the impossible can be made possible.”
The World Future Energy Summit 2012 is being held from January 16-19 at ADNEC and is expected to see around 26,000 attendees, including 3,000 delegates, 650 exhibiting companies, and nearly 20 national pavilions.
Visit us at the World Future Energy Summit (Booth 8006) in Abu Dhabi from January 16-19, and pick up the latest issue of Alternative Energy Africa while meeting our staff! For more information, please contact LeAnne Graves, lgraves@AE-Africa.com