Solar car event showcases sustainable innovation

Integrated energy and chemicals company Sasol’s premier solar car event, the Sasol Solar Challenge (SSC), returned for the sixteenth year, with a focus on the blend of innovation, competition and sustainability.

This year’s SSC, which took place last month, introduced a new route that took competitors from Secunda, Mpumalanga, to Cape Town, in the Western Cape. The eight-day challenge tested the limits of solar technology against South Africa’s “most challenging and beautiful terrains”, adding both technical difficulty and visual appeal.

Fourteen top local and international teams participated, including champions from the World Solar Challenge, who are renowned for their engineering expertise and innovation in solar-powered vehicles, says Sasol.

“What sets the SSC apart from other solar events is its unique blend of innovation, strategy and endurance. Competitors must navigate not only the technical challenges of solar vehicle design but also the strategic complexities of route planning and energy management,” Sasol said.

The company added that, while breakdowns and obstacles are part of the journey, teamwork and innovative problem-solving is what defines the SSC experience.

“Teamwork, innovation and strategy are all central to the SSC, with teams required to not only navigate the technical challenges of the route and their solar-powered cars but also strategic elements,” SSC director Rob Walker said.

He added that, through the event, Sasol aims to emphasise the importance of embracing innovative technologies to reduce carbon emissions and promote clean transportation.

Celebrating Women in STEM
The 2024 SSC also set a milestone with record participation by female participants across various roles, ranging from drivers and engineers to key figures in communication and marketing.

This year’s focus on gender diversity is a “powerful statement” about the growing role of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), says Sasol.

Reflecting on the growing presence of women in STEM, Sasol Group brand and communications VP Elton Fortuin celebrated the achievement, having anticipated an exciting event with strong performances from female participants.

“We are very encouraged by the increased number of women participants in both the main challenge and the schools programme,” Fortuin said.

Beyond the main competition, the SSC continues to inspire future generations through its dynamic Schools Programme. This initiative brings the excitement of the SSC to young learners, fostering a passion for STEM through interactive activities and educational workshops.

Renewables

Commitment
Sasol reaffirmed its commitment to renewable energy, with the company noting that SSC is a bold statement of its commitment by showcasing how innovation can drive a more sustainable future.

“In Sasol’s own operations, we’re making strides toward our ambitious goal of securing 1 200 MW of renewable energy by 2030 – enough clean energy to power over 700 000 households,” Fortuin added.

To date, Sasol has secured deals for over 750 MW, with several projects already under construction and set to come online soon. These developments mark a significant milestone in Sasol’s commitment to sustainable energy, he concluded.