Third Frisian Solar Boat Race Set for July in the Netherlands

The Frisian Solar Challenge, a one of a kind 137-mile solar boat race in the Netherlands, has been scheduled for July 4, 2010. The race, which was last held in 2008, is expected to draw considerably more attention this time. One of the main reasons is that since 2008 solar technology has become a must have. Boat and ship companies no longer view solar boats as just an interesting concept, but as a necessity to stay competitive in today’s turbulent boating market. Because of this, the Frisian Solar Challenge is expected to attract not only more solar panel, battery and boat design companies but also serious investors looking for boat technology to commercialize and partners to hook up with.

What new technology will be found at this year’s race is still up to speculation. Many participants prefer to keep the details of their latest inventions quiet until race time. However, because of great strides made in solar cell design, batteries and boat design, you should prepare yourself to find solar boats that are much faster and lighter. You may even see some that have adopted aerodynamics technology from the Solar Impulse, the first solar airplane.

Last year’s solar boat event attracted entries from over 50 countries. This year will probably see more. So far the Kingdom of Jordan has signed on as a sponsor, adding to last year’s sponsors, which included Sharp and the Sun Factory. The Kingdom of Jordan, through the Jordan Renewable Energy Society, sees the event as a way to let the renewable energy community know that Jordan has significant renewable energy resources, and that it is actively seeking partnerships with renewable energy companies. In a recent article in the Jordan Times, Prince Asem Ben Nayef, president of the Jordan Renewable Energy Society (JRES), said the event is “very exciting for JRES, as it is a great way to market Jordan to different countries in Europe, where there is extensive expertise in renewable energies.”

Not only does Jordan have a sun-drenched climate, it also has a new energy-friendly law. The new law establishes renewable energy goals, and lets consumers sell back electricity to the utility companies. As part of Jordan’s new National Energy Strategy, 7 percent of Jordan’s energy will have to come from renewable sources. By 2020, the law calls for even more, 15 percent. Furthermore, the Renewable Energy Law permits the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Jordan to negotiate with renewable energy companies directly.

Those that follow the six-day race, a group that is likely to include many in the renewable industry, will not only be able find out who has the latest and best solar boat technology, but also get a first hand look at northern Holland. The six-day race, which flows through Friesland’s eleven cities, will take the boaters and spectators through the scenic rivers, lakes and canals that connect them; revealing Friesland for what it really is, a boaters’ and bikers’ paradise.

The eleven-city route is familiar to many in Holland. The route is not only the original home of Holland’s 11-city ice skating race, which made Friesland one of Europe’s most popular vacation destinations, but also the route for many long-distance bicycle races. Because the route is bike friendly, as is most of the Netherlands, the race should be especially popular with bicycle enthusiasts. Bicyclists can not only enjoy the summertime comforts and sights of each of the eleven cities, but also can get a front-row seat anywhere along the race route. Not only that, everybody involved, from business people to boaters, will be able to relax at any of a number of waterfront cafes, restaurants and hotels that line the 137 mile route.