The APOGEE English Press met with Anisha Nandimath, the APOGEE coordinator of the Renewable Energy Club (REC) who took some time off her busy schedule to discuss the ongoing preparation of the club for the fest. 

This year REC is conducting two events, which include ‘Cyclotron’—their flagship event—and  ‘Solar Remote Control (RC) racing.’ 

Based on the simple principle of conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy, participants of Cyclotron will have to pedal a stationary cycle to light up LED bulbs. The one who manages to light up the most bulbs will be declared the winner. 

Nandimath explained that their ‘‘Solar RC racing’’ event follows the format of a typical RC racing event, with the distinction that the cars are fueled by solar energy. During the race, participants will encounter sustainability-related decisions to make, alongside their focus on speed. Marks will be awarded based on both, their racing performance, and the choices they make. Participants will be clubbed in groups of four and the winner of each group will compete in the finals. 

Additionally, REC is setting up a solar cooker in their stall at the Krishna Bhavan parking lot with the help of Dr Manoj Soni, where they would be selling freshly cooked delicacies ranging from cakes to pasta. Attendees can pre-order the food or purchase directly from the stall. According to Nandimath, the stall proceedings will be donated to charity. 

The team is currently trying to figure out the tracks and the placement of obstacles for their ‘Solar RC racing’ event. Furthermore, they are involved in the procurement of commodities like panels, cars, wires, and other ‘nitty gritty items’ from local vendors or online stores, while upcycling items used previously. The club considers the weather on the day of the events to be their biggest challenge and is laying out plans to “occupy” as much daylight as possible. 

Nandimath’s job involves communicating and liaising between the club and the CoStAA while supervising logistics, deadlines, and budget handling. The club is also putting in efforts to present itself as a technology-oriented club rather than one that simply advocates for sustainability. They also plan on shifting the club’s focus to research and technology projects.