UK, September 2021 – After the Australian "Bridgestone World Solar Challenge" was canceled, an adequate alternative route to the flat outback was quickly found with the "Solar Challenge Morocco". Despite the changed route through the desert and along the Atlas Mountains, the dutch racing team of Solar Team Twente is still optimistic that they will be able to win the World Championship for Solar Cars - also thanks to the sponsorship of Leybold.

 

 

Promoting efficient use of renewable energies
On 23 October, the starting signal for the international student teams will be given in the port city of Agadir. The 2500-kilometre route will be ridden in five daily stages. In addition to the sporting competition, the event serves not least the worldwide networking of young scientists as well as the sustainable promotion of innovation and research. "In times of climate change, we see a responsibility in concretely promoting the efficient use of renewable energy potentials and thus contributing to the reduction of air pollution," says Ian Dorman, General Manager of Leybold EMEA North East, explaining the sponsorship of the vacuum specialist.

Competitive solar car developed
The commitment of the Dutch team is also worthy of sponsorship for other reasons: after all, the 19 students of the Solar Team Twente had interrupted their studies for a year and a half to develop and build a competitive solar car. Leybold’s sponsorship with the SOGEVAC 16 D vacuum pump allows the team to continue processing carbon and epoxy by means of vacuum infusion and lamination either in-house, or when required locally at the race site, due to the pumps compact and portable design. "This has also been achieved with the help of the support of our sponsors, so we feel well equipped and motivated to compete for the title in Morocco," emphasises Structural Designer, Stijn Louws. After all, the Dutch have already been successful in past world championships for solar cars.

Vacuum for the production of solar modules and lithium-ion batteries
The commitment is an important concern for Leybold: "It is my pleasure to support Solar Team Twente, we see the enormous potential of electromobility and are also convinced that we can push the success of the team with our contribution," emphasises the responsible Sales Engineer of Leybold Netherlands, Andries Verstraeten. With their wealth of experience, companies like Leybold can also significantly promote electromobility and thus contribute to the success of the energy transition. Especially since vacuum systems are used, for example, in the coating of solar modules or in the production of lithium-ion batteries. This is another reason why those responsible for Solar Team Twente choose renowned partners like Leybold to lead such challenges to success.