Renewable Relief for Haiti
(All contributions to the fund at this time will be used exclusively for Haiti disaster relief. Contributions made before March 1, 2010 may be applied to 2009 federal tax returns. See IR-2010-12.)
The National Energy Foundation (NEF), in partnership with the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), has established the Renewable Energy Disaster Relief Fund to support disaster relief efforts with the advantages of off-grid solar power and other renewable energy systems. Specially designed systems can effectively provide crucial power for emergency relief services when the existing power grid is extensively damaged and fuel for generators is scarce or poorly distributed.
Haiti’s Electricity Supply
Before the earthquake, Haiti suffered from an inadequate electrical system where not more than a third of the population received access to electricity. Now grid power is nonexistent. As relief efforts continue and rebuilding begins, power for health services, water purification, emergency communications, medicine and food refrigeration, as well as security lighting will be a critical need. Off-grid photovoltaic systems with battery storage can supply this needed power and is most often portable so that the power goes where it is most needed. There is no power interruption due to lack of fuel or the need to stand in line at overcrowded distribution centers. (For a good in depth look at Haiti’s short and long term problem with its power needs and how new technologies in renewable energy can help, click here.)
Equipment to be supplied
Due to the latest developments in solar power, a wide variety of applications are now available to assist relief workers and disaster survivors. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, equipment such as flashlights, portable weather radios, and security lighting can be provided. As additional access increases, larger systems can be deployed that can power emergency health care facilities and other critical relief services.
The Fund
The NEF and FSEC have set up a protocol within the fund to insure that the right equipment is provided to effective relief agencies with properly trained personnel. Funds collected by NEF are disbursed under the guidance of technical advisors from five of the top solar research facilities in the country. FSEC provides training for the relief workers tasked with the delivery or use of the emergency solar equipment. You can find out more about the fund’s design and operation here: www.redrf.org
Please Give Your Support
The program needs your help in order to reach the people of Haiti with effective emergency equipment with a readily available power source. Please click on the link below and make a donation to help send the power of the sun to the people of Haiti. (The link will take you to the donation page for the Renewable Energy Disaster Relief Fund of the National Energy Foundation.)
(All contributions to the fund at this time will be used exclusively for Haiti disaster relief. Contributions made before March 1, 2010 may be applied to 2009 federal tax returns. See IR-2010-12.)
Help us raise $200,000 for renewable relief in Haiti!
FREA is working with a coalition of renewable energy advocates and professionals in Florida and throughout the country to meet the goal of $200,000 in solar powered disaster relief equipment placed in the hands of trained relief workers in Haiti. Join the team and help us make it happen!
$200,000 will provide 40 solar-powered water purifiers, 200 solar-powered camp lamps, 200 solar-powered radios, 100 solar cookers, and 20 portable, solar-powered electric generators.
Please Donate Today!
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