With the AUGent Solar Boat, a platform has been created where various sustainable and renewable energy techniques are presented to the general public. About the preceding research and the underlying science is communicated on a popularizing way with students of secondary education, colleges and universities, and with the general public. The importance of sustainable technologies is being stressed on. Teaching material is put at the disposal of secondary schools.

The AUGent Solar Boat is a small vessel (6m x 2.4m) with an electric drive and a relatively low energy storage in the form of a battery-pack (< 1 kWh). The boat is equipped with solar panels as a sustainable energy source. These solar panels on the AUGent Solar Boat are used as a starting point for initiating the debate concerning sustainable energy (which technologies, on which locations, which incentives are necessary,…). The interest of the public is strengthened and the involvement is expanded by the taking part of the boat to races.