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The launch of the ‘solar sail’ demonstrates the versatility and flexibility of G24i’s next generation technology. In April 2008, Swan utilised G24i’s cells in his groundbreaking expedition to Antarctica, where he spent more than two weeks solely using renewable sources of energy. The trip successfully demonstrated that solar power can provide an effective and reliable energy source even in some of the world’s most inhospitable and extreme environments.
Swan participated in the thirteenth Nantucket Race Week which took place between Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 17, 2008. The ‘2041’ and its solar sail will be on the East Coast of the US before heading to Europe, Russia, India and China until the year 2012. At each port, Swan will be engaging and inspiring young future leaders, addressing the key issues of climate change and demonstrating renewable energy solutions.
Commenting, Robert Swan OBE, said: “The use of solar cells in this way shows the versatility of Dye-Sensitised Thin Film technology. I was extremely impressed with how well G24 Innovations’ cells worked during my trip to Antarctica earlier this year, so this was a great opportunity to test them again. I believe that this is just a hint of the potential of this technology.”
Robert Hertzberg, Chairman of G24i, said: “Robert Swan has again provided G24 Innovations with a valuable opportunity to test our technology in diverse circumstances. Our solar cells are ideal for this project, their low weight and flexibility allow them to integrate effortlessly into the sails and provide clean and renewable source of energy to assist in powering the boat.”
Notes to Editors:
About G24i
G24 Innovations (G24i), a UK based company, is the world’s first to commercially manufacture next generation Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells, an alternative to traditional silicon solar cells.
Dye-Sensitized Thin Film solar cells are unique in that they are extremely lightweight, durable, and produce electricity in low-light and indoor conditions. As a result, G24i’s advanced solar cells are perfect for powering mobile electronic devices such as mobile telephones, cameras, and portable LED lighting systems.
On a larger scale, G24i’s flexible thin film integrates effectively into clothing, tents, electronic advertising displays, and works well for indoor building integrated photovoltaic systems where local regulation requires on site generation or significant energy efficiency measures.
G24i’s proprietary high speed roll-to-roll manufacturing process allows for large volume production at its 23 acre, 187,000 square foot facility. Further information at: www.g24i.com.
About 2041
Robert Swan O.B.E, the first person in history to walk to the North and South Poles, has been a witness to climate change for over twenty years. Drawing upon lifelong experiences as one of the first humans to walk under the hole in the ozone layer and surviving near-death encounters in melting Arctic Ocean waters, Robert continues to engage and inspire people of all ages on the issues of sustainability and leadership. Robert is now leading a five-year global mission and lecture tour entitled the “Voyage for Cleaner Energy”. He is touring with his 67’ sailboat ‘2041’, which exhibits sustainable living practices and renewable energy technologies onboard.
The global mission of the “Voyage for Cleaner Energy” is to demonstrate sustainable living and transport alternatives. Sailboat ‘2041’ has revolutionary sails made from recycled plastic bottles, solar panels, wind turbines, and an engine that runs on bio-fuels. It also has the first ever solar panel sail in history. It is outfitted with dozens of eco-friendly features and carries green products and technology on board.
With continually rising gas prices and 11 of the warmest years on record occurring in the last 12 years, Swan wants to spread the message that “the time to act is now”, and he and his team at 2041 are hoping their actions will inspire others into action in their own lives.
With his organization, ‘2041’, Swan leads annual expeditions to Antarctica with students and successful business executives to focus on leadership training, environmental clean-up and education initiatives. In 2008, Robert made Antarctic history all over again by successfully surviving in one of the harshest climates on the planet for over two weeks, solely on renewable energy. The mission of the 2041 Antarctic Education “E-Base” (http://2041.com) is to set an example for sustainable living practices and challenge people and youth around the globe to begin living more sustainably at home.
For more information, please contact:
G24 Innovations:
Eliot Abel
+44 (0) 2920 837 340
eliot.abel@g24i.com
FD (PR):
Andy Field or Oliver Williams
+44 (0) 20 7831 3113
andy.field@fd.com
olly.williams@fd.com
