We are excited to share news of a sustainable upgrade at the Harbor Sport Club. Thanks to a close collaboration between the Planning, Design, Engineering, and Construction –PDEC team from Campus and Community and Miral Solar, a KAUST startup, a new solar-powered charging system for golf carts is now installed and ready for use in the parking lot. This initiative is a testament to the power of active partnerships between the campus and local startups in fueling innovation and advancing our commitment to sustainability.
What’s new?
This system features lightweight solar panels form Mirai Solar, thoughtfully integrated onto the existing fabric canopies of the car park shades. This inventive design eliminates the need for extra steel structure, reducing both cost and environmental impact. The captured solar energy is stored in a battery bank that powers two charging outlets, enabling two golf carts to charge simultaneously.
A greener way to get around and a vision for the future
This installation is more than just a convenience; it provides a working example of how renewable energy can seamlessly fit into our daily lives. Through projects like this, we actively contribute to KAUST’s climate action goals while realizing new possibilities for lower-carbon transportation.
By retrofitting existing carpark canopies, this concept shows immense potential beyond our campus. If adopted across the Kingdom, innovations like this could supply power for over 1 million electric vehicles (EVs) in the future, a powerful vision for sustainable transport in Saudi Arabia.
Sustainability impact
We hope you enjoy this new, green-powered amenity. This project reflects our shared commitment to pursue efficient, low-carbon solutions that benefit our entire KAUST community and inspire broader change.
CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY