Baghdad, Iraq Going Solar With Help From the US Army
Say what you will about the occupation of Iraq— you can’t fault the US Army for neglecting to equip the country with renewable energy. In the northwest section of Baghdad alone, US forces are conducting nearly two dozen solar projects in an attempt to alleviate Iraq’s electricity crisis.
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Baghdad’s Amariyah clinic, for example, recently received a $165,000 solar installation. Previously, the clinic received only 12 hours of electricity each day, and many vaccines were spoiled. While the clinic now has enough power only for the essentials, Amariyah’s solar installation will save $2 million over 25 years.
The US military has also purchased over 1,000 bulletproof solar-powered streetlights for the city, and is planning similar installations in Fallouja and Ramadi.
All in all, US forces will spent a cool $6 million on solar projects in northwest Baghdad.
Photo Credit: CC-licensed by Flickr user Luodanli
One of the great tragedies of this war centers around the destruction of their power grid, which as resulted in untold deaths and massive disruption of the economy and social life.
This is a very positive move, and it would make sense to increase the use of solar through Baghdad and all of Iraq. While they do have significant oil reserves, they also are blessed by a significant amount of sunshine.
[...] as a sustainable strategy for rebuilding and stabilizing war-torn communities. In Baghdad alone, the U.S. military has sponsored solar projects by the dozen, including a large array for a neighborhood [...]
They need to start developing and creating a programs like IPOSE. Iraqi Engineers getting involved by tapping thru education.
They need to start developing and creating a programs like IPOSE. Iraqi Engineers getting involved by tapping thru education. This young americans from the Michael Scott Mater Foundation are making a difference