Taking place on the
International Day for Safety and Health at Work, celebrated on 28 April this year, the event underlines a powerful message:
innovation, safety and sustainability go hand in hand.
From Belgium to the world
The Solar Homerun marks the official start of a preparatory journey ahead of the team’s solar race across the United States this summer. The convoy departed from Sibelco’s site in Dessel and travelled via partner locations showcasing the strength of collaboration.
This initiative highlights Sibelco as a golden partner and a country driven by close cooperation between industry, research institutions and young talent.
Sibelco, a material solutions provider
At Sibelco, we are proud to support the next generation of engineers and innovators. Our contribution goes beyond partnership:
- Materials expertise supporting advanced applications
- Supply of Sibelco high-purity quartz (HPQ), a critical mineral used in the solar cells
- Enabling technologies such as the LONGi solar panels powering the solar vehicle
This initiative demonstrates how
Sibelco minerals are essential in everyday life and in building a more sustainable future.
Strong partnerships, shared ambitions
The Solar Homerun brings together leading organisations, including KU Leuven –
,
, VITO (Mol) – research into sustainable technologies, Ford, our employees, some local stakeholders & authorities. Together, we demonstrate how local roots can create a global impact.
Longi uses Sibelco minerals to be the world’s leading supplier of Solar PV Solutions. They use the Sibelco High Purity Quartz to make solar cells that power the Infinite Apollo Solar Car on the Homerun ride and the upcoming
.
Inspiring people and communities
Beyond the technical achievement, the event aims to inspire students, industry and the public around clean technology and highlight the safe development and application of new technologies. “
Strengthen engagement with local communities, partners and welcoming visitors to discover Sibelco and our activities is key to build together on the world of tomorrow,” said
Wim Claessens, Country Manager & Commercial Director Sibelco Belgium.
Safety first – throughout the day
In line with the
International Day for Safety and Health at Work, additional safety-focused activities took place throughout the day for Sibelco employees in Belgium as Logistics partners session on traffic safety and general safety, Truck safety awareness and some Site tours with discussions and Q&A’s.
A Message We Drive Forward
The Solar Homerun 2026 is more than an event, it is a statement of intent:
“By combining innovation, safety and sustainability, and by working together with customers, partners and young talent, we are shaping global solutions that have a lasting global impact,”
said
Solomon Baumgartner, Sibelco EVP Europe.
More information on the Infinite Apollo Car, the
and the Solar home run can be followed via the live tracker
.
