SailGP has taken an important step towards realising its target to be 100% powered by clean energy by 2025 after clean energy accounted for 70% of temporary event power used throughout Season 2.
A total of 89,236 kWh of the 127,418 kWh temporary event power used throughout the season came from clean sources, including solar and HVO +B100.
Meanwhile, carbon emissions created by fuels consumed by the on-water fleet and broadcast helicopter, as well as electricity at events, fell by 47% throughout Season 2 (normalised by event and by team) - another important achievement on SailGP’s journey to become the most sustainable global sports and entertainment platform in the world.
As SailGP enters Season 3, efforts now turn to integrating leading technologies across the full scope of its support fleet, continuing to measure energy consumption on site and reducing this energy through behaviour changes and energy efficient technologies.
All guest and hospitality experiences will be powered by nature following the upgrade of solar technologies and on-site generators while green H2 generators are being trialled throughout the season.
Alongside SailGP’s overarching clean energy targets, the league works with host venues and local communities to align collective goals around clean energy.
This was most recently seen at the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, which featured a clean energy showcase facilitated by the Bermudian government’s department of energy.
Located at the entrance of the race village, the installation featured Renault Twizy electric cars and a charging container provided by local sponsor, Current Vehicles, as well as solar panels, a wind turbine and one of 30 new electric buses now in use on the island.
“The idea was to give people a little flavour of the technology up close,” said Aran McKittrick of the department of energy. “Bermuda is just getting going - we’re a bit behind the world and the wider region and outreach and education is part of our remit as a department.”
As well as the 30 new electric buses now in service on Bermudian roads, the government has plans to buy 20 per year until the complete fleet is powered by clean energy.
“We had an ageing bus fleet that had traditional diesel engines and we decided to go with a purely electric bus,” said McKittrick. “People have responded well and are excited to see something that’s clean and quiet. The drivers and managers of the buses are delighted to have them.”
The showcase also featured QR codes directing visitors to websites promoting energy saving tips and considerations for investing in electric vehicles, as well as a timeline of Bermuda’s clean energy transition.
“We’re being progressive,” added McKittrick. “We don’t just have ambitious targets but we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”
Alongside the clean energy showcase, SailGP has selected BE Solar to install 17 solar panels with a wattage of 6.2kW at Bermuda’s West End Sailboat Club.
This will save the club an estimated $400 per month on electricity bills, allowing it to dedicate more funds into sailing opportunities and equipment. The installation of the solar panels will also save an estimated 180 metric tonnes of CO2 over the first 30 years of installation.
Fiona Morgan, Director of Purpose & Impact at SailGP said "I am so proud of the progress that we are making towards being fully powered by clean energy by 2025. We are taking responsibility to transition the carbon emissions directly in our control, as well as working with our host venues and suppliers to drive positive change and inspire others to make changes too.
"It was fantastic to collaborate with the Bermuda Government to drive meaningful change in Bermuda, and I can't wait to work with all our other host venues to continue to do this over the rest of the season.”
