Extreme E - the story off the course

Extreme E completed its inaugural X Prix last weekend in AlUla, Saudi Arabia with Rosberg X Racing taking victory. But maybe the real victory was what the championship did off the course around climate change – one of the main drivers behind this unique sport for purpose.

Extreme E is a series with a mission, to highlight the devastating effects of the climate crisis and demonstrate positive steps that can be taken to protect the planet. It has selected five remote locations for its X Prixs, with the first completed in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, which was chosen to highlight desertification, where biological productivity is lost.

Alejandro Agag, Founder and CEO of Extreme E, said: “It has been two years in the making, but I’m thrilled that Extreme E’s first X Prix – the Desert X Prix – is complete.

“The weekend delivered on its promise of exciting racing, but more importantly our mission to race without a trace and leave a long-lasting positive impact. I’m very proud of what we have achieved in Saudi Arabia, from our talks on the St. Helena by world-renowned scientists focussing on the global climate crisis and solutions, through to our turtle conservation project with the Ba’a Foundation.

“Extreme E is much, much more than just motorsport and I hope people have taken away from it that the climate crisis is a major issue we are facing right now, and that there are many small actions we can take to save the planet.”

Legacy Programme

At each of the race locations, Extreme E will leave a long-lasting positive impact through its Legacy Programmes. In Saudi Arabia, the series joined forces with the Ba’a Foundation to support turtle conservation along the Red Sea coastline.

Specifically, the Programme centres around protecting the endangered Green turtle and critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, which are under threat for a variety of reasons including entanglement in fishing gear, coastal developments and climate change causing rising sand temperatures and flooding of turtle nests by rising seas.  

The project was revealed on-board the St. Helena by members of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, which was followed by a visit to Ras Baridi - the location at which the initiative will be focussed – where many of the championship’s drivers including Jenson Button, Sara Price and Jamie Chadwick joined for a beach clean.

St. Helena

The championship’s floating centrepiece, the St. Helena, took centre stage in the Red Sea and hosted a number of workshops ahead of the inaugural X Prix focussing not only on the Legacy Programme, but also the wider climate change issue as well as solutions.  

Guests were able to hear from some of the most respected scientists in the world including Professor Mani Sararhy (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology - KAUST), Roland Kaeppner (NEOM), Altynay Kaidarova (KAUST), Dr. Shannon Klein (KAUST),  Extreme E’s Scientific Committee member Professor Richard Washington and newly-appointed Professor Carlos Duarte. The experts spoke not only about climate issues and impact, but also the solutions and steps we can all take to help our planet.

In addition, a panel discussion about a holistic approach to climate and environmental stewardship was moderated by HRH Princess Mashael Alshalan and HRH Princess Noura Turki Al Saud.

Richard Washington, Member of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, said: “Accepting the invitation to be involved as a scientist in Extreme E took all of 30 seconds. Inspired projects like this only come your way once in a blue moon.

“Racing electric vehicles powered by 100 per cent clean energy in hot and dusty extreme desert  environments is the sort of demonstration we need to accelerate the adoption of new climate friendly technologies. Sport strives to break boundaries, to cross seemingly impossible thresholds, often in a team setting. That is also what we need to do to solve the climate problem. Extreme E is a convergence of these endeavours.”

Scientists that have been selected by Extreme E and its Founding Scientific Partner, Enel Foundation, are set to board the ship for its next leg. During the journey, they will conduct research in the St. Helena’s on-board laboratory to advance knowledge of the consequences of climate change and adaptation and mitigation strategies on the world’s oceans and the planet. These projects will be announced in the coming weeks.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell

AFC Energy, which provides the championship’s hydrogen fuel cell – enabling the fleet of ODYSSEY 21s to be charged emission-free – used the Desert X Prix to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Altaaqa, owner and operator of one of the world’s largest mobile diesel generator rental fleets. This will support the transition of the region’s power generation industry to zero emission solutions using AFC Energy’s hydrogen fuel cell technology.   

The agreement places Altaaqa at the forefront of industry’s transition away from highly pollutant diesel engines and consolidates AFC Energy’s position as the market leader in the provision of zero-emission off-grid temporary power generation. It also supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 strategic framework to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and associated power generation, and goes to show the power of sport in highlighting environmental issues and viable technology solutions for a cleaner world.

Sustainability

There were many measures put in place to ensure Extreme E would be the most sustainable sport possible, from zero single-use plastic on-site, communal water stations so reusable bottles could be filled, sustainable and biodegradable food packaging from Polymateria, and even bin police to ensure people were recycling properly.

Water extraction and consumption was also a high consideration, and Extreme E worked with local companies for its water supply and utilised water generated from its hydrogen fuel cells for car cleaning, with any excess water shared amongst local communities.

This process of ensuring Extreme E races without a trace started many months ago. In association with EY, the championship’s Official Innovation Partner, the two organisations worked together to complete a Social and Environmental Impact Assessment alongside the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), with these findings informing the way the Desert X Prix was managed.

Phillip Jones, Chief Management and Marketing Officer, Royal Commission for AlUla, said: “AlUla was excited to be part of the inaugural Extreme E race and to showcase the destination alongside our vision to create a tourism eco-system that protects and conserves the environment. It is always enjoyable seeing the reactions of international visitors when they first experience our nature, heritage and culture.”

Extreme E Count Us In Challenge

The Extreme E Count Us In Challenge was launched last month, and enables fans to take practical steps on climate change to reduce their carbon footprint. In just three weeks, over 300 fans have already committed to take action to lead a less carbon-intensive life.

But this leaderboard isn’t just a race for the planet, as the team with the most fans pledging their support will receive the Extreme E Sustainability Award at the end of the year, and X44 currently tops the table.

Extreme E’s next event is the Ocean X Prix, which takes place from 29-30 May at Lac Rose, Senegal, Dakar.

Extreme E:

Julia Fry, Head of Communications 
E: media@extreme-e.com / T: +44 7778 108754

Carla Corbet, MPA Creative:     
E: carla.corbet@mpacreative.com / T: +44 7944 077440

Diego Bustos, BE Mass Media (Latin America -including Brazil-, US Hispanics, Spain, Portugal)
E: diego.bustos@bemassmedia.com / +569-8829-9138 or +1-660-847-4645

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Extreme E:

Extreme E is a radical new racing series, which will see electric SUVs competing in extreme environments around the world which have already been damaged or affected by climate and environmental issues. The five-race global voyage highlights the impact of climate change and human interference in some of the world’s most remote locations and promotes the adoption of electric vehicles in the quest for a lower carbon future for the planet.  

To minimise local impact, Extreme E races will not be open to spectators, with fans instead invited to follow the action through live TV broadcast, and on social media. 

The St. Helena, a former passenger cargo ship, has undergone a multi-million Euro refit to minimise emissions and transform her into Extreme E’s operations hub. The ship will be used to transport the championship’s freight and infrastructure, including vehicles, to the nearest port, minimising Extreme E’s footprint, as well as being used to facilitate scientific research through its on-board laboratory.

Extreme E is also pioneering hydrogen fuel cell technology which will enable its race fleet to be charged using zero emission energy. This innovative solution from AFC Energy uses water and sun to generate hydrogen power. Not only will this process emit no greenhouse emissions, its only by-product will be water, which will be utilised elsewhere on-site. 

Season 1 Calendar: 

Desert X Prix: AlUla, Saudi Arabia
3-4 April 2021
Ocean X Prix: Lac Rose, Senegal 
29-30 May 2021
Arctic X Prix: Kangerlussuaq, Greenland 
28-29 August 2021
Amazon X Prix: Para, Brazil 
23-24 October 2021
Glacier X Prix: Patagonia, Argentina  
11-12 December 2021  

About Ba’a Foundation: 

Founded by His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud. The foundation has a legacy of initiatves aimed to focus on two pillars, preserving Saudi culture, and conserving the environment. The foundations believes that culture is a bridge between nations and through time, to bring people all across the world together. As for the preservation, the foundation will ensure developing programs and initiatives aimed to create environmental sustainability for generations to come. Doing so requires strategic partnerships and collaboration with a number of renowned national and global partners such as Extreme E.

About Continental Tyres: Founding Partner and Official Tyre Partner 

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. Continental generated preliminary sales of €37.7 billion in 2020 and currently employs more than 235,000 people in 58 countries and markets. In 2021, the company celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The Tires business area has 24 production and development locations worldwide. Continental is one of the leading tire manufacturers with more than 56,000 employees and posted preliminary sales of €10.2 billion in 2020 in this business area. Continental ranks among the technology leaders in tire production and offers a broad product range for passenger cars, commercial and special-purpose vehicles as well as two-wheelers. Through continuous investment in research and development, Continental makes a major contribution to safe, cost effective and ecologically efficient mobility. The portfolio of the Tires business area includes services for the tire trade and fleet applications, as well as digital management systems for tires.

About CBMM: Founding Supplier
CBMM is the world leading supplier of niobium products and technology. Headquartered in Brazil, with offices and subsidiaries in China, Netherlands, Singapore, Switzerland and the United States. CBMM offers technical innovation to customers around the globe through a team of over 2,000 highly trained, dedicated professionals providing cutting-edge niobium products and technology to over 400 clients in around 40 countries.

About LuisaViaRoma:
Defined by the Financial Times as “A haven for directional fashion,” LUISAVIAROMA.COM is the top online luxury fashion destination with 5,000,000 visitors per month and worldwide shipping. With each new season, the website presents the collections of more than 600 established designers and young emerging talents.

About Neat Burger: Official Plant-based Partner

Neat Burger is the first of its kind – the planet-friendly, plant-based, full-flavoured game-changer the world has been waiting for. The world’s first plant-based sustainable burger chain, Neat Burger offers a menu that appeals to not only those who follow plant-based diets, but anyone, meat-eaters included, who wants to eat delicious meat-free dishes that are more sustainable, healthier and ethical. The brand is backed by seven-time FIA Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton, in collaboration with hospitality organisation The Cream Group and investors, as well as UNICEF Ambassador and early backer of Beyond Meat Tommaso Chiabra.

Neat Burger opened its first site in September 2019, just off Regent Street in London, and its second and third dine-in outlets at Camden Market and Soho in 2020. Plans for global expansion across Europe, the US and Middle East are already in place for 2021 and beyond.

About XITE ENERGY
XITE ENERGY was founded by Oliver Bennett and Megan Jones straight out of university two years ago. XITE brings disruptive innovation within the beverage industry; a new frontier to energy drinks. Designed around functionality but with no limitations on health, XITE ENERGY uses functional ingredients that are fused together to provide a cognitive boost, combining natural flavours, natural caffeine and zero sugar.

About Enel Foundation: Founding Scientific Partner

Enel Foundation is non-profit organisation focusing on the crucial role of clean energy to ensure a sustainable future for all. By developing partnerships with pre-eminent experts and institution across the globe, leveraging on the vast knowledge of its founders, Enel Foundation conducts research to explore the implications of global challenges in the energy domain and offers education programs to the benefit of talents in the scientific, business and institutional realms.