Electric SUV series Extreme E completed its first ever event powered by renewable energy at its season finale in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
With 98 per cent of the country's electricity generation originating from renewable sources, Extreme E used the Uruguayan national grid as the backbone of operations for the race.
The remainder of energy required was provided by solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells installed by Extreme E, with the on-site generators falling silent as the paddock switched to 100 per cent clean energy for the first time. This was achieved due to the combined efforts of Power Logistics, AFC Energy and Enowa at the event.
The series took a three-pronged approach towards its legacy efforts in Uruguay, turning its attention towards marine conservation, ecotourism and renewable energy awareness.
While Uruguay is highly vulnerable to climate change, so too are its oceans, which are home to a rich range of ecosystems. As a result, Extreme E has partnered with the Organisation for Cetacean Conservation (OCC) to help continue its efforts with its school education and itinerant exhibitions – driving the importance of marine life.
Extreme E's funding will also go towards improving the OCC’s whale photo-ID catalogue, organising and processing existing material and generating new content. These ID catalogues are vital in helping track and monitor whale data in Uruguayan waters.