Western Australia's hopes ride with new solar car

22/9/07
Energy Minister Francis Logan today unveiled Leeming Senior High School's new solar car for next month's 3,000km Darwin to Adelaide World Solar Challenge and urged more Western Australian schools to 'go solar'.
Mr Logan said Leeming SHS was leading the way in implementing innovative, sustainable energy education initiatives, culminating in their participation in the World Solar Challenge.
The Leeming school's entry would be the only World Solar Challenge car designed, built and driven by high school students. It would compete against about 40 teams from all over the world, some of which had multi-million dollar budgets.
The Minister urged all public schools to follow Leeming SHS's lead and become a 'Solar School'.
"The Carpenter Government's decision to invest another $4.1million in its successful solar schools program will allow more than 350 State schools - nearly half the total number - to install solar power systems over the next four years," he said.
"Through the solar schools program, students will learn about renewable energy and energy efficiency and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"The program assists schools to generate some of their own electricity needs from renewable energy, reducing the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions."
Applications for the next round of funding close on November 9.
A total of 67 schools have won funding since the program began in 2005, including Leeming SHS.
Mr Logan said Leeming SHS had made an impressive debut when it first competed in the World Solar Challenge in 2005 as WA's sole entry in the race.
"The new car has been built by the school's design and technology students and will be driven by the students when the race starts on October 21," he said.
"It includes high-efficiency solar panels and a high-performance, in-wheel electric motor and has many innovative design features. It is a credit to the students, staff and parents at the school, including design and technology teacher John Beattie and principal Ross Morcombe."
The WA Government has contributed $65,000 to the project, including $48,000 from the Department of Education and Training's Public Education Endowment Trust, $10,000 from the Sustainable Energy Development Office, $5,000 from the Department of Industry and Resources and $2,000 from Main Roads.
Willetton Senior High School has also entered next month's World Solar Challenge, using a car that originally competed in the race in 2001 and 2003.
Minister's office: 9222 8950