Abu Dhabi based Petroleum Institute entry comes close second
19 January, Abu Dhabi:
The Michigan University team has today been awarded first place in the
Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, while second place went to the United Arab
Emirate’s (UAE), Petroleum Institute. It is the first time the UAE has
been represented in a solar car challenge. Belgium’s Punch Powertrain
team took third place. The USA team was announced winners during the
opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi World Future Energy Summit, part of
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), at the Abu Dhabi National
Exhibition Centre.
Sponsored by Abu Dhabi
National Oil Company (ADNOC) and hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s
renewable energy company, the event is part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability
Week. The first solar challenge competition to be held in the region,
saw students from Australia, the Middle East, Europe, America and Asia
compete in the cross-country road event.
Noah Kaczor, the
driver who crossed the finish line for Michigan University, said: “It’s a
dream come true to have won the first ever Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge.
This has been an incredible experience for us and we are thrilled that
all our hard work has paid off. We faced tough competition from some
great teams from all over the world. Abu Dhabi was an ideal location for
an event like this, and we look forward to coming back for future
events and hopefully defending our title!”
After a qualifying
stage at Yas Marina Circuit, the teams took to the roads of Abu Dhabi,
to drive through the city and desert, using only sunlight as their fuel.
They had to factor in a variety of elements and road conditions to get
the best performance out of their cars.
Mr Abdul Munim Al
Kindy, Ceo of ADCO, said: “Congratulations to all of the teams who took
part in the first Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. Special congratulations to
the winning team and those close behind in second and third, including
our home team in second place. We at ADNOC are extremely proud to have
brought the first ever solar challenge to the Middle East. The event has
been a huge success and has showcased Abu Dhabi in all its glory and
cemented its position as a global leader in energy efficiency and
renewable energy. We look forward to welcoming even more teams for the
event in the future.”
Masdar’s global
reputation as a renewable-energy pioneer helped bring the solar
challenge to Abu Dhabi. The company’s mission to advance clean energy,
along with Abu Dhabi’s role as an international energy hub, made the
emirate an ideal location for the solar-car competition.
Dr. Ahmad Belhoul, CEO
of Masdar, said: “We are proud to have hosted this iconic event and
extend our congratulations to all of the teams involved, especially the
winners, Michigan State. They can be proud of the determination and
commitment they have demonstrated in winning. For the Petroleum
Institute to finish second in their first ever solar challenge event is
also a great achievement. We wish them all the best of luck for their
next competition.”
“The Challenge has
brought innovation in clean energy technology to life, and highlights
Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the sector. Its legacy will live on in the
inspiring message it will deliver for young people across the country.”
Dan Eberle, Race
Director, Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, said: “Congratulations to the
University of Michigan on winning the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. It was a
close run with less than five minutes separating them and the UAE
team, the Petroleum Institute. The team performed fantastically in their
debut solar competition. It is many years since we have seen a team do
so well their first time out. They have done themselves and the country
proud.”
“I’d also like to
congratulate the rest of our competitors for a great Abu Dhabi Solar
Challenge. The Challenge was conducted with the spirit and ethos of
solar challenges around the world.”
