NK tries out solar-powered bus
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North Korea's solar-powered bus / Yonhap
By Kim Hyo-jin
North Korea is operating a solar-powered bus in the western city of Nampo, the North’s state media said Monday.
“Nampo created a bus powered by solar energy and it is now being used for public transport,” the state-run Korean Central Television (KCTV) said, quoting a member of the city’s science and technology committee, Jeong In-sung.
According to Jeong, the bus uses 32 100-watt solar panels, 50 batteries and a direct-current motor.
“It has run 800 kilometers so far, and was able to a carry maximum 140 passengers at 40 kilometers per hour,” KCTV quoted Jeong as saying.
North Korea has been encouraging people to use renewable energy in a bid to meet electricity demand.
In recent months, more households have been installing solar panels on their balconies or in their windows, reports say.
According to reports, state propaganda released by the ruling Workers’ Party in February reads, “Develop and make effective use of wind, tidal, geothermal and solar energy.”
The reclusive country has long suffered from a chronic electricity shortage.