Morocco Hosts African Solar Decathlon, World Largest Varsity Student Competition

Over 1200 students representing 58 universities from the USA, Europe, Asia and Africa are taking part in the African Solar Decathlon 2019 currently held in the green city Mohammed VI of Benguerir, Morocco.

This international competition (Sept.13-27) challenges collegiate teams to design and build solar-powered houses that are highly energy-efficient, affordable, and comfortable to live in.

The winner of the competition is the team able to score the most points in 10 contests. These include architecture, engineering & construction, market appeal, comfort conditions, appliances, sustainability, home life & entertainment, communication & social awareness, electrical energy & balance, and innovation.

This competition is in line with the goals set by Morocco to make low energy-consuming buildings. It also reflects the country’s strong determination to reach high levels of sustainability in its energy sector.

The contestants have to integrate regional sustainable raw materials while working on the components of the building and preserving African specificities.

The competition seeks to promote the use of solar technologies and sustainable housing in Africa, focusing on the benefits of renewable energies in the continent, sustainable construction and innovative solutions that contribute to energy savings.

The goal of the event is also to educate the general public regarding responsible energy use, renewable energy, energy efficiency and available technologies to help reduce energy consumption.

The competition is expected to have positive environmental, social and economic impacts in Africa.

The decision to develop Solar Decathlon Africa was made in November 2016 on the sidelines of COP22 in Marrakech under a MoU between the Moroccan Ministry of Energy, Mines and sustainable development; the Moroccan Research Institute in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN); and the U.S. Department of Energy.