Power to the people: Jordan opens massive solar park for refugee camp, delivering energy for 80,000 Syrians
The 40,000 solar panels will not only reduce carbon emissions by over 13,000 tonnes a year, it will also save the agency US$5.5 million each year in running costs
Jordan has switched on a massive solar plant inside a refugee camp, providing renewable energy to nearly 80,000 Syrians, the United Nations refugee agency said on Monday.
The 12.9 megawatts solar plant at Zaatari refugee camp, on the border of Jordan and Syria, will allow families to run a fridge, television, fans and lights in their shelters, and recharge their phones to maintain contact with others abroad, UNHCR said.
The €15 million (US$17.5 million) project, funded by the German government, will provide electricity in Zaatari camp for up to 14 hours a day, the agency said.
“That allows the children to continue their studies, and also [for] the safety of women and young girls to go about. Camp life will be made much easier,” said Stefano Severe, UNHCR representative in Jordan.
Electricity is very important to us, it is needed by men, children, women, everyone needs it during the day
The UNHCR said the 40,000 solar panels will not only reduce carbon emissions by over 13,000 tonnes a year, it will also save the agency US$5.5 million each year in running costs, which can then be re-invested into refugee support.