Swiss energy giant, BKW-FMB, has recently announced its plans to create the world's first solar powered submarine. Asking investors to contribute almost $9 million to start work on Projekt Goldfisch, the company hopes to begin construction on the floating "power islands" of photovoltaic panels that will channel electricity for the subs as soon as possible.
According to BKW, the solar subs will draw power from "a solar array of five generators, each with 430-square feet of panels. A GPS tracking system would tell the sub where to surface when it needs to recharge." Fully charged, the company claims the sub could dive to depths approaching 1,000 feet and reach a top speed of about 5 knots (roughly 6 mpg).
So what does one do with a solar submarine? Well, the company hopes to put its first Goldfisch models in Dubai as an attraction featured at the already popular Burji Al Arab Hotel. Already featuring solar boats and a submarine restaurant, BKW says their sub will allow guests to come '"into contact with the attractive idea of emission free mobility."'
Underwater solar tourism may well become a booming new industry but, for now, I think I'll stay above water and away from anything that could potentially turn belly-up should it the sky turn a particular shade of gray.
http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/12/we-all-live-in.html#more
-Samantha Perez
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