Experience and explore another side to Berlin – from the water!
Solar Water World is the world’s first solar boat "gas" station and rental business. Club of Pioneers was lucky enough to take one of the boats out for a spin!
The Solar station glinting in the summer sunSolar Water World is owned and managed by Thomas Meyer who has been instrumental in the development of solar boats. Mr Meyer was also instrumental in establishing the Institute for solar shipbuilding. The Institute aims to demonstrate the feasibility and market relevance of solar shipbuilding.Mr Meyer envisages solar boat taxis transporting people in and around Berlin. Currently Mr Meyer’s operation in Berlin is obviously targeted at a small minority of the world’s citizens who have the capacity to support such a venture, however, he believes that his technology can contribute to the partial alleviation of global environmental concerns in developing countries. Solar Water World’s ultimate goal is for solar boating to become the norm on all water throughout the world. Currently he is establishing a relationship with the university in Taiwan.
The Club of Pioneers gets picked up at the Kopenick watersideThe boat trip on Müggel Lake allowed us to see the historical Köpenick old town juxtaposed against the modern architecture of the solar boat station. The electric motorboat is powered by solar energy. The emission-free and very quiet boat allowed us an undisturbed view of the local wildlife. Anyone can take a boat out as one doesn’t need a boat driving license for these boats! The boats are slow, but as 12 km/h is the maximum speed allowed on most of Berlin water ways, I must say, it is nice to have an excuse to slow down!
Anna gets behind the wheel
Out on the solar boat we explored the multifaceted south-eastern waterways of Berlin; from the glamorous waterside mansions, to industrial and derelict houses and family residences.
Some sights, like this ruin, can only be seen from the water

Other sights too can only happen here! This guy seems lostThe obvious question is - What happens if the sun goes behind a cloud? Fortunately the solar boats do not depend on the weather alone. Even if the sun doesn't shine, solar energy stored is stored in batteries on the boat.
The solar battery, hidden away yet ever ready!
We had a relaxing and fun day without feeling guilty as all this activity had a low impact on the environment! Although we were still able to tan in the boat, ironically there was always the shade under the roof of solar panels.At present 90% of the world’s goods are carried by sea and world trade is increasing all the time. Carbon dioxide emissions from shipping are double those of aviation and increasing at an alarming rate which will have a serious impact on global warming. Interestingly enough Carbon dioxide emissions from ships do not come under the Kyoto agreement or any proposed European legislation. Mr Meyer believes that commercial shipping running on solar power is viable. Given the enormous amount of unrecognized carbon dioxide emissions from shipping, the idea of commercial shipping running on solar power would be fantastic!Photos by Joni Taylor