Solar crossing

Before the arrival of trucks and cars, many goods were shipped in boats and ferries on rivers and canals. Ulm - a city on the Danube in southern Germany - had a ferry across the river until 1943, transporting people, cattle and goods. In 1996 a boat service based on the latest renewable technology was re-launched.

The solar boat RA31 was launched by Solarstiftung Ulm / Neu-Ulm (Solar Foundation) in 1996. The boat is the prototype of a solar fleet which in recent years has been sold worldwide. One of the main goals of the project was to make solar and fuel cell technology accessible to a wider public audience. The RA 31 has become a local as well as a tourist attraction on the river as it connects several attractions on the Danube.

The boat is equipped with 21 photovoltaic panels and a fuel cell. This technology provides all the power it needs. At full capacity it can sail up to 185km. It is 9.40m long and 2.70 m wide, can take 16 passengers and has a maximum speed of 13.5km/h. During the summer months it runs to a timetable every afternoon. In the evenings it can be chartered for small parties and events.

In 1998 a cable ferry was added to the fleet. This barge is driven by the water stream on the river and does not need any other power to move. The solar panels provide energy for the LED lighting and the electric equipment on the barge.

Solarstiftung Ulm is at the heart of the innovation centre for renewable energy in the region. The organisation has won a number of national and international awards over the last years.

For further information about the solar boat and ferry please visit www.solarstiftung.de .

M.HAUS 2009