BADGHIS, Afghanistan – A recently completed U.S. Agency for International Development led project, has installed a 25 kilowatt-hour solar electricity system on top of the Moqur District center building in Badghis province.
Additionally, USAID completed solar street lights around the district center and along the improved bazaar road. According to U.S. Consulate Herat Stabilization Officer Eddie Bloom, discussions for bringing solar power to Moqur began last summer when local Shura's asked for electricity.
Bloom said sustainable energy such as hydro, solar, wind and water turbine are ideal for Badghis because much of the province is completely off any electrical grid.
The project also created opportunity for local Afghans to run, monitor and repair small problems with the equipment. The solar panels have a shelf life of 20-25 years, while the batteries can last 7-10 years if properly maintained.
Future projects include: Solar street lights for bazaars in Kushki-Khona and Robati-Sangi, solar hot water heating systems for clinics and district centers in Herat and Badghis, hybrid solar-wind power systems for various public facilities in Herat and Badghis and micro-hydro power units in the Bala Murghab River.
“Most Afghans will be very excited to turn on a light at night so their children can study in the evening or turn on a fan in the summertime,” said Bloom.
| Date Taken: | 01.23.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 01.23.2011 23:02 |
| Story ID: | 64084 |
| Location: | BADGHIS, AF |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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