Qatar Solar Technologies (QSTec), a leading solar grade polysilicon company, will host MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar-powered boat, at the Pearl pier for three weeks on its longest stopover in the region.

The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, built in Germany, is powered by 537 sq m of photovoltaic cells.

‘Wings’ on the front and rear of the boat can be stretched or contracted to capture more or less sun, and the rear wing has censors that allow it to move towards the sunnier side of the boat. On the boat itself, which can take up to 40 people, showers, lights and fridges are all powered by solar energy.

“We are excited to see these breakthroughs – once a dream – become a reality,” said Dr Khalid Klefeekh Al Hajri, CEO of QSTec.

“PlanetSolar’s MS Tûranor demonstrates what we hope will be an end-product for QSTec’s endeavors and its arrival here today strengthens our resolve to develop products that will enable the creation of new and innovative uses for solar technologies to help protect the environment.”

The idea to travel the world on a vessel using no fuel and emitting no carbon dioxide was dreamt up by Swiss engineer Raphael Domjan in 2004. The challenging project, which brought together physicists, engineers and sailors, was christened PlanetSolar and gave birth two years later to the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar.

“Qatar has all the ingredients to be a powerhouse of solar energy, but above all it has the same vision that brought about PlanetSolar,” said Domjan. “We wanted to acknowledge Qatar and its support of solar initiatives through organizations like QSTec by making this our longest stopover in the Arabian Gulf.”

The first solar-powered world tour kicked off on September 27, 2010 and is expected back in Monaco in May, 2012. – TradeArabia News Service