University of Calgary composites car receives $50,000 funding

In an effort to promote the use of innovative technology, including plastic composites, Alberta Environment is donating a $50,000 grant for a University of Alberta solar car project.
Last year, the solar car placed first in its class and finished 10th overall in the 2006 Panasonic World Solar Car Challenge held in the Australian outback. The car averaged a speed of almost 64 km/hr over a period of two days.
“I am extremely impressed by the leadership and dedication [of the solar car team leaders] to this project,” Alberta Environment Minister Guy Boutilier said. “Their innovative work takes Alberta’s reputation forward to the 2007 Panasonic World Solar Car Challenge.”
Officials at the University of Calgary also praised the solar car project. “The solar car team is one of the best examples of how students from different faculties can get together and apply the skills they are learning to exciting projects that showcase cutting-edge technology and environmental sustainability,” Dr. Elizabeth Cannon, dean of the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, said.
The distribution of the $50,000 grant will be spread over two years.