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Race Teams Get Underway In Epic World Solar Challenge

Over 40 teams are taking part.
The 30th World Solar Challenge has started.
Ho New / Reuters
The 30th World Solar Challenge has started.

The World Solar Challenge is underway in Darwin, with a field of 41 teams from around the globe racing 3,000 kilometres across the continent to Adelaide.

Using only the power of the sun, the race, now in its 30th year, kicked off on Sunday morning.

Teams are competing in this year's event from countries including the United States, Japan, Germany, Chile, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Belgium, Sweden, Iran, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, South Africa, Poland, Thailand, Turkey, Canada, Taiwan and Australia.

"The staging of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge from Darwin aligns with the NT's focus on renewable energy ... Solar technology is integral to our future development, particularly our regional and remote communities," NT Minister for Tourism and Culture, Lauren Moss, said.

"Innovation is at the heart of the event and the technology showcased this year will influence continuing solar innovation for vehicles and householders in the future."

Founded by Danish-born Australian Hans Tholstrup, the man who developed the first ever solar car, the race takes place once every two years and is one of the world's most well known solar races.

Cars are expected to start arriving in Alice Springs from Tuesday.

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