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Boating can be intrusive to aquatic ecosystems and increase carbon emissions through pollution from engine emissions, lubricants, and accidental discharges. This is why SGP Turkey decided to support TEMEV (Clean Energy Foundation) to develop a solar powered boat specifically for lakes under pressure from recreational activities. Modeled after the MS Turanor PlanetSolar, it is emissions and noise free, better to maneuver, and offers an attractive choice for alternative water transport. The “Güneşli Bot,” or “Sun Boat,” was completed in early spring and recently launched at Lake Eymir near Ankara.
Turkey's solar powered Sun Boat.
The four-seat solar-powered Sun Boat has two electric, new generation of highly efficient, brushless out-runner motors, powered by photovoltaic cells. Unlike other solar powered boats, the Sun Boat doesn’t require any supporting equipment like chargers or conventional motors. Only a small battery and two oars are added to bridge energy needs for 2+ hours under cloudy conditions. With an estimated speed of 10-12 knots (18-22 km/h), the boat is sufficient to cover small lake areas. Requiring no oil, fuel, gas or monthly maintenance, it is more sustainable than internal combustion engine boats. In fact, production costs are amortized within the first 12-18 months, based on a 5 year usage period. With governmental subsidies, the cost can further be reduced by 20%.
With an open floor design to glide over water more easily, the Sun Boat operates quietly and has no under-water exhaust outlet. Its custom-tailored propellers were specifically designed for electric motors and low cavity features. The Sun Boat thus eliminates another source of pollution and noise, which often disturb lake ecosystems. Beyond recreational use, the Sun Boat can be an attractive choice for aquatic researchers as it allows them to approach their subjects quietly and position themselves more precisely over research points. Precise maneuvering is facilitated by the two motors that can be controlled independently. The boat has also been equipped with an underwater camera, a cold light source, and an LCD monitor which are likewise powered by solar energy. These features will be put to good use by the Middle East Technical University that will use the boat for water biology research in its recreational area at Lake Eymir.
The Sun Boat was designed to take the pressure off local lakes in Turkey.
This initiative forms an addition to SGP Turkey’s rich portfolio in promoting transition to sustainable, low-carbon transportation. It is also a great example of how SGP provides seed funding and promotes innovation for environmental conservation and research. The boat was produced with an SGP grant of USD $20,000, and USD $ 18,900 in co-financing.
It is hoped that the boat can serve as a model for disseminating the use of solar photovoltaic energy in marine applications. A small booklet has been prepared for local authorities, universities, and other recreational areas. The grantee has been successfully advocating for the Sun Boat, promoting it as a safer, cleaner, and less expensive transportation choice that is also less intrusive to lake ecosystems. Another SGP project “Halfeti Ecotourism” is interested in adopting the Sun Boat, which has already received invitations from exhibitions like the International Boat Show at İzmir.
About the GEF Small Grants Programme
Launched in 1992, GEF SGP supports activities of non-governmental and community-based organizations in developing countries towards climate change abatement, conservation of biodiversity, protection of international waters, reduction of the impact of persistent organic pollutants, and prevention of land degradation while generating sustainable livelihoods.
Since its creation, GEF SGP has provided over 16,500 grants to communities in over 125 developing countries. Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a corporate programme, GEF SGP is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of the GEF partnership, and is executed by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Contacts:
Katharina Davis
Knowledge Management and Communications Consultant
GEF Small Grants Programme
Gökmen Argun
National Coordinator
GEF Small Grants Programme in Turkey