Look out for the arrival of the speedy and sleek solar cars when they arrive in Katherine throughout the afternoon.
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The cars are expected to arrive at the Stuart Highway weighbridge area shortly after noon.
People can track the progress of the cars on https://www.worldsolarchallenge.org/
Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss today waved off the solar cars competing in this year’s 3000 kilometre race from Darwin to Adelaide.
Ms Moss said the Government is a sponsor of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) providing $250,000 to support this important and innovative event.
“We believe investing in renewable energy makes business sense. Good environmental policy is smart economic policy,” she said.
“The staging of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin aligns with the NT’s focus on renewable energy and our election commitment of a 50% renewable target by 2030. Solar technology is integral to our future development, particularly our regional and remote communities.
“Innovation is at the heart of the event and the technology showcased this year will influence continuing solar innovation for vehicles and householders in the future.
“This event is a great promotion for the NT – it shows our ability to innovate to the world.”
Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Event Director, Chris Selwood, said the 2017 field is one of the hottest ever seen.
“This is the 30th anniversary of the BWSC and competitors want to be part of that. They have been drawn to the challenge of new regulations which reduced the solar array size without limiting the size of the solar car. This has produced incredible diversity and innovation,” Mr Selwood said.
“The BWSC encourages the greatest minds from around the world to engineer and build a solar vehicle capable of traversing the Australian outback from Darwin to Adelaide. It’s called a challenge for a reason and I can’t wait to see who crosses the line first in Adelaide.”
More than 40 teams are competing in this year’s event from countries including the United States, Japan, Germany, Chile, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, Sweden, Iran, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, South Africa, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Canada, Taiwan and Australia.
Cars are expected to start arriving in Alice Springs from Tuesday.
Chris McLennan
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
ACM national rural property writer based in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria. Career journalist. Multi award winner.
