Kerala launches country's first solar boat
Synopsis
The boat is built by NavAlt. The boat was pressed into trial run at Aroor lake.
Tapping the immense potential of solar power, Kerala launched the country's first solar boat. Made at a cost of 1.85 crores 'Aditya' was pressed into a trial run at Aroor lake on Saturday.
According to Kerala State Water Transport Department (KSWTD) authorities, the 70-seater ferry is expected to bring down the fuel cost considerably and reduce pollution.
The boat is built by NavAlt, a collaboration between the French company AltEn and the Indian company, Navgathi.
It took two years for the company to design and built the 20 meters long, 7-metre wide boat.
The boat is capable of operating up to 5 to 6 hours and is also equipped with an alternative power system to meet emergencies. The ferry will also have a life cycle of 20 years.