Solar electric transport, Surinam
Solar electric transport is an upcoming transport product around the world. The TU Delft co-developed the technology for our Dutch team at the solar challenge in Australia. The product “solar-electric trains” are already in use in the Netherlands, in various cities. We got in touch with the factory in Limburg that produces and invented the “trains”. Their vehicles have many advantages since around 50% of the energy is derived from solar. That was 4 times more as average in the world than. We planned to start in Surinam, were 100% Zomer and the other co-entrepreneurs have an extensive network. An intention declaration for cooperation with the Marriott and one other upmarket hotel in Paramaribo was signed. The trains would be used as a shuttle service, to and from the airport and as a branded sightseeing vehicle.
100% Zomer was asked as an advisor and co-entrepreneur in this new solar-electric transport business. Due to her extensive experience with the PSI subsidy, her knowledge of Surinam, her network in sustainability and her entrepreneurship experience.100% Zomer was approached to perform a feasibility study for the product in Surinam and the scale-up business potential elsewhere. 100% Zomer was also appointed as the project manager, with the task to acquire a PSI subsidy of around 200.000 euro. To be able to opt for this subsidy, the two partners of 100% Zomer had to secure several (legal) requirements in time.
When: March 2010- December 2010
Who: 3 J’s BV and Marriott hotel Surinam
Why: Marriott hotel want to improve transport to her hotel from the airport. Besides that the Marriott was looking for sustainable solutions to do so.
Results:
- 100% Zomer got a first positive response from the PSI subsidy program manager on the summary of the plans and the required consortium.
- Eventually Marriott withdrew from the consortium after the election of president Bouterse in Surinam. All new initiatives were put on hold.
100% Zomer found other opportunities for the concept in Buenos Aires through the network of 100% Zomer. A quick scan was performed locally with the Dutch-Argentinean Chamber of Commerce, the BID Network in Argentina and more parties. The result gave a first overview of the possibilities in Argentina.
