Suntech, one of the world’s top solar manufacturers, recently announced at the Clinton Global Initiative that it will help power the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The hospital battles to deliver essential health services in the region (including obstetrics, pediatrics, and internal medicine), all while it services 334 patient beds, and it struggles to do so thanks to a lack of reliable energy.
However, Suntech will provide up to 300 kilowatts of panels to the hospital, which will allow it to have more secure energy sources while relying less on more costly diesel generators and firewood.
“With a quarter of the world’s population in developing countries lacking access to basic electricity, it is critical that developed nations and corporations around the world collaborate to solve this issue now,” said Suntech’s founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Strategy Officer, Dr. Zhengrong Shi.
“Our mission is to provide reliable access to solar energy to everyone, especially in developing countries, and by creating a commitment with the Clinton Global Initiative, we hope to alleviate energy poverty in remote communities around the world that lack basic electricity.”
This is just one of various other partnerships Suntech has done in helping to cut energy poverty, which is vital as developing nations try to increase their living standards. Other initiatives the company has supported were conducted in countries such as Lebanon, Haiti, and Tanzania.
Source: Suntech
Image Credit: Suntech
A University of Winnipeg graduate who received a three year B.A. with a combined major in Economics and Rhetoric, Writing & Communications. Currently attempting to be a freelance social media coordinator. My eventual goal is to be a clean tech policy analyst down the road while I sharpen my skills as a renewable energy writer. Currently working on a book on clean tech and how to relate it to a broader audience. You can follow me on Twitter @adamjohnstonwpg or at www.adammjohnston.wordpress.com
