Tribune News Network
Doha
For the first time, one of the world’s leading energy-efficiency engineering programmes for students, Shell Eco-marathon, is coming to the Middle East, and will be hosted in Qatar under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums.
This announcement was made at Web Summit Qatar 2024 by Richard Tallant, Executive Vice President of GTL and Managing Director of Shell Companies Qatar, together with university students who competed at last year’s Shell Eco-marathon Asia-Pacific and Middle East regional championship.
Commenting on the news, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa said, “Bringing the Shell Eco marathon to Qatar marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability among our nation’s youth and the wider region. This event marks the beginning of the collaboration between our upcoming Qatar Auto Museum and Shell to empower young minds to tackle the pressing challenges of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. This collaboration underscores Qatar’s dedication to shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come.”
Shell Eco-marathon is a global academic programme which tests student teams to design and manufacture energy-efficient vehicles that can travel the farthest with the least amount of fuel. It aims to push the boundaries of what is technically possible and inspire young people to become leading scientists and engineers of future energy solutions.
The programme provides a platform for teams to explore every aspect of design and technology, using their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills to build their own ultra energy-efficient cars, and then take them out on the track in competition.
Student teams can participate in one of two vehicle classes: Urban Concept or Prototype. Urban Concept vehicles have familiar road car features and more closely resemble passenger cars. The Prototype category consist of ultra-efficient, lightweight vehicles which have the potential to reach record breaking distances using the least amount of fuel possible.
