Tag Archive: solar power

  1. Innovative solar charging station installed on popular European bike highway

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    Cyclists traveling along the F14 bike highway, which connects Antwerp, Belgium with Essen in Germany, can now benefit from an innovative solar-powered charging station in Kapellen.

    Developed by Belgian company WeWatt, this project caters specifically to electric bicycles, providing a sustainable solution for long-distance riders.

    A new edition to cycling infrastructure

    The solar charging station is strategically located at a local brasserie near the railway crossing at the intersection of Christiaan Pallemansstraat and Koning Albertlei. Its placement offers a convenient stopover for e-bike users traveling along the F14, a key cycling route in the Northern part of Belgium.

    As e-bikes continue to rise in popularity, enabling riders to cover greater distances, the need for accessible charging options has become increasingly apparent. This station not only offers two charging sockets powered entirely by solar energy but also includes a bicycle repair pole equipped with tools for quick fixes. Integrated solar panels generate and store energy in an internal battery, allowing the station to function independently of external electricity sources. Its self-sufficient design makes it an ideal solution for remote cycling paths and highways.

    Part of a broader mobility vision

    The introduction of the charging station aligns with a broader Belgian mobility strategy aimed at enhancing cycling connections across the province of Antwerp. For years, bicycle highways in the Northern Flemish region of Belgium have been central to encouraging sustainable transportation. Projects like this solar-powered charging station make cycling infrastructure more appealing to both commuters and recreational cyclists.

    By providing convenient charging options along key routes, the initiative also supports the shift from car travel to cycling, even for longer journeys. This underscores the region’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions while promoting active and eco-friendly transportation options.

    Collaborative effort for sustainability

    The project was brought to life through a partnership between railway organisation Infrabel, the municipality of Kapellen, and WeWatt, which specializes in energy-focused bike furniture. Infrabel contributed by granting a concession for a plot of land near the railway tracks, while Kapellen facilitated the installation and WeWatt provided the technology.

    Enhancing the cycling experience

    This solar charging station represents an intersection of sustainability, technology, and mobility. By addressing the needs of e-bike riders, it enhances the overall cycling experience in the Flanders region of Northern Belgium. Additionally, it supports renewable energy use, fostering a dual impact of promoting green energy and sustainable travel.

    As infrastructure in the region continues to evolve, initiatives like this serve as a model for future developments, encouraging more individuals to embrace cycling as a primary mode of transport.

  2. New solar-powered motorcycle revealed during ‘thick sweater day’

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    Source: HLN

    The eighteenth annual ‘thick sweater day’ was celebrated on February 17th 2022. Originally taking shape as a response to the Kyoto protocol, schools reduced their heating for one day – encouraging pupils and staff to wrap up extra warm in an effort to reduce carbon emissions for the day. Today, ‘thick sweater day’ has come to represent much more; individuals, schools, companies, and local authorities all act to reduce their carbon footprint beyond just a single day.

    This year’s theme was ‘put your own action in the spotlight’, Odisee University of Applied Science did exactly that at its February 16th kick-off event on the Technology campus. The establishment has reduced heating for an entire week, begun a thick sweater charity drive, and proudly presented its in-development e-motorcycle, powered by a solar-power charged battery.

    Bram Rotthier, Technical Director of LEVA-EU, but also responsible for the energy department at Odisee University of Applied Sciences, was one of the initiators of this scheme.

    Students Jesse and Kim, head of education Bram Rotthier, Brigitte Borgmans and Jan Kielemoes from the Flemish Environment Department, Sylvie De Muynck and Frank Haelman from Odisee Hogeschool and An Heyerick from the Flemish Environment Department. 
    © Jill Dhondt
  3. Santos rider Dirk Huyghe completes The Sun Trip 11.400km solar rally

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    Santos Rider Dirk Huyghe and his Travelmaster 3+ did it again! They successfully completed this year’s edition of The Sun Trip, an international rally for solar bikes. An impressive 11.400 km, through more than 20 countries, with an average speed of almost 160 km a day.

    The organizers crowned Dirk the undisputed king as he is the only one who not only competed but also completed all four editions. In 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2021. This time he came in 6th, in 72 days and 1 hour.
    There were 37 participants at the start in Brussels. However, only 10 made it to the finish. The others succumbed to physical and technical problems. Dirk called in at all 5 checkpoints: Riga in Latvia, Constanta in Romania, the Stelvio Pass (2757 m.) in Italy, the Pico Veleta (3398 m) in Spain and Porto in Portugal before arriving at the finish in Lyon.

    Dirk didn’t just put himself to the test but also his Santos. Many thanks for doing it so successfully, Dirk. Let’s go for the 5th edition?

    Want to know more about Dirk? https://lnkd.in/dSCtV6iY

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