Skip to main content

Solar car race shines light on renewable energy in Egypt

For the first time, the United Solar Challenge was held in Egypt as innovators and engineers race solar-powered cars and try to spark interest in renewable energy sources.

Solar_Car_Team-1.jpg
Members of the Zuweil City Solar Car Team and their car at the Global Hybrid-Electric Challenge, Soma Bay, Egypt. Posted May 6, 2016. — Facebook/ZcSolarCar

Drivers were racing solar-powered cars this week in Egypt's resort town of Hurghada, opening new horizons for future engineers in the country and enhancing their interest in science, technology and the use of renewable energy sources.

The United Solar Challenge (USC) — held March 19-22 for the first time in Egypt and for the second time in the Middle East — saw 12 teams from all across the world experience the ultimate challenge of an exciting experience using the sun as the only fuel.

The solar cars — with panels that absorb only sunlight to power their engines — crossed the streets of Hurghada's Soma Bay, giving the city a new taste of environmental sustainability.

Organizers and contestants said they aspired to convey the message that environmentally friendly technology is the future of a green planet. Organizers included the International Solarcar Foundation, the Global Education Energy Environment (EEE), and some nonprofit organizations supporting renewable energy projects like the Sharaf Foundation for Sustainable Development and Hadath for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

SUBSCRIBER EXCLUSIVE

Continue reading this exclusive analysis

Original reporting and analysis unavailable elsewhere. Subscribe to AL-MONITOR to read this story and access everything we publish