17 of 31

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

and operate at 12 to 15 knots. The vessels will be fitted with a large, rigid wing covered in solar panels that will capture sun and wind power. In extreme weather, the sail will automatically fold down flat above the deck like a roof. Similarly to a hybrid car, large batteries on board the vessel will store electricity generated by the diesel generators and collected by solar panels. The electricity then powers the electric motors. Where a hybrid car runs on a combination of gasoline - electricity, the solar ferry operates with a mix of diesel - electricity.

While loading and unloading passengers, the diesel engines will be turned off and solely run on electricity. The vessels can be plugged into shore power to regenerate the batteries. As needed, the vessel will operate with diesel generators burning low-sulfur diesel fuel and equipped with air pollution controls that cut emissions by 70% - 90%, compared to conventional marine diesels. These generators make electricity that is transferred to the batteries to power the electric motors. The vessels maximize the use of solar and wind energy with zero emissions at the wharf.

All parties involved agree that since this technology is relatively new having just surfaced after the start of the new millennium, there is a learning curve that needs to be taken into consideration as nothing is ever as full-proof as it appears in theory or could be addressed under the fixed conditions that Solar Sailor used to test their product. Still, instituting the commercial use of solar ferries is a step in the right direction to alleviate the problems associated with global warming, which is emerging due to the increased emissions of pollutants in the air from the excessive burning of fossil fuels by cars and transportation vehicles.

According to BluewaterNetwork.org based in San Francisco, California, transportation accounts for over 30% of global warming pollution in the USA, and 40% in California. Dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas pollution can be achieved by using sustainably produced alternative fuels which include electricity, biodiesel, ethanol, and hydrogen. Bluewater Network's organization is working to educate policy-makers about the facts of fossil fuels and the benefits of using alternative fuels.

Bluewater Network is a division of Friends of the Earth, the US voice of the world's largest network of environmental groups with one million supporters in 70 countries across five continents. The network lobbies policy-makers to promote legislation that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The Californian branch was successful at conceiving, drafting and working with environmental advocates to pass the world's first law to reduce global warming pollution from passenger vehicles in California. The law has been adopted by 11 other states. AB 1493 or the California Clean Car Law requires automakers to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from cars sold into California by nearly 30% by 2016. Staying on this path should give California a clean bill of health in the coming years.

Of course, others need to jump on board and promote new legislation that opens the pathways for new technologies which employ solar power sources over the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Australia's Solar Sailor and world organizations like Bluewater Network are making changes that are designed to lessen global warming conditions, but others need to jump on board to turn conditions around and preserve a healthy environment for all of us.

Learn more about this author, Susan Frances.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How developing countries are adapting or preparing to adapt to the impacts of global climate change?
We want to hear your view. Write now!