Promotion of green energy, timely requirement - Minister Yapa

Disna MUDALIGE

Harnessing of solar power for navigation is a highly commendable and innovative step towards the promotion of green energy which is a timely requirement, said Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa.

He made this observation when he visited the 'PlanetSolar' vessel which docked at the Colombo Port last Wednesday for a brief stopover. 'PlanetSolar' is the world's largest solar powered vessel and has embarked on its first around the world expedition with solar energy.

The minister congratulated the pioneering effort to construct this vessel using latest technology to promote sustainable energy resources. The minister also observed the potentiality of investing solar power on fishing vessels since Sri Lanka is a country near the equator which received abundant exposure to sun light throughout the year.

'PlanetSolar' comprises five crew members and when the battery is fully charged it has the capacity to navigate for three days. The cost of the vessel has been about 15 million Euros. It had started the world tour from East to West on September 27 last year in Monaco and follows a route close to the equator. It expects to complete the tour in May 2012.

The surface of solar modules is 537m2 and the height above water is 6.10m. This vessel was on brain child of Swiss engineer Raphael Domjan, a nature lover and a strong supporter of clean energy. The ship was built in 14 months in Germany. By stretching wings, the boat can get an additional solar surface for navigation and can reduce the size of the boat when mooring or increase the hydrodynamics in the event of bad weather.

The boat showers, lights, fridges etc are powered by solar energy and only the kitchen operates with gas. The maximum speed of the vessel was recorded as 11.4 knots.

Switzerland Ambassador to Sri Lanka Thomas Litscher also spoke.