The Panasonic World Solar Challenge is owned and managed by Events South Australia (the events division of the South Australian Tourism Commission). Events South Australia (formerly known as Australian Major Events) has a strong record for managing, sponsoring and hosting world class, international standard events. These events generate substantial economic impact, television broadcast opportunities and social benefits for South Australia.
Once again we thank Panasonic for being our major sponsor, and acknowledge the outstanding vision of that organisation in making the commitment to support this event.
Panasonic are proud to partner an environmental and technological event that motivates research, innovation & development of sustainable sources of energy.
In a global climate where demands on limited oil reserves are increasing at an alarming rate, the needs for alternative sources of energy, particularly for transport, are paramount.
You may have heard the words 'Panasonic - ideas for life', - our worldwide corporate brand slogan. This slogan represents the commitment to provide products based on valuable ideas that can enrich people's lives and help advance society.
In particular, the environment is an area of importance to Panasonic and The Panasonic World Solar Challenge provides an opportunity to inspire future generations around the globe and educate the world on our commitment to contributing to society via environmental innovation.
In November 2006, Panasonic became the first company in the world to eliminate lead in Plasma Display Panel manufacturing, the central picture component in its Plasma TVs. With the recent introduction of the world's largest Plasma, the 103-inch, Panasonic has avoided the use of lead in all its Plasma TV models since the end of 2006. Panasonic Plasma TVs have a 60,000 hour lifetime ensuring beautiful picture quality over a long life-span.
Other 'ideas for life' are at work at Panasonic's state-of-the art Amagasaki Plasma Display Panel manufacturing plant. Environmental initiatives include using rainwater to water the grounds, the use of a solar and wind powered generator, and reducing packaging waste by 14 per cent.
The company has a dedicated appliance recycling facility, METEC (Matsushita Eco Technology Centre). The recycling system employed at METEC allows end-of-life Panasonic products to be recycled as new products, in accordance with the Electric Appliance Recycling Law of Japan. In addition to the development of recycling technology, METEC performs research and development that leads to the design of new products that are easier to recycle.
On behalf of Panasonic Australia, we wish all teams every success in the Panasonic World Solar Challenge, 2007.
Steve Rust, Managing Director, Panasonic Australia
This year is the 20th anniversary of the Panasonic World Solar Challenge and interest has never been greater. While the cars are getting faster and more efficient, the enormity of the Darwin to Adelaide drive is still a lure for competitors from around the world.
The growing popularity of the solar challenge reflects an increasing community interest in energy efficiency, especially at a time when fuel prices continue to remain high.
The Territory is committed to harnessing the energy that shines down on us every day. More than 50 per cent of our homes have solar hot water systems and solar power stations in the Territory are already displacing more than half a million litres of distillate fuel each year.
With continuing investment in solar technology and major solar projects, we are moving forward when it comes to producing clean and efficient solar energy. And the recent announcement that Alice Springs is to become the nation
The future of Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and indeed of the whole world, is being re-shaped by many forces including the ongoing technological revolution, trade reform, energy demand, natural resource quality and security, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change and variability. CSIRO is helping to shape the future by using its strengths in sustainability science to ensure a dynamic Australian economy, while at the same time preserving our environment for future generations.
CSIRO carries out research in areas including energy, the environment, manufacturing, sustainability and natural resources. Find out more about CSIRO
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations in development of the City's build form, management of its Park Lands and public spaces and in the management of activities that consume non renewable natural resources.
