Showing posts with label solar-energy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label solar-energy. Show all posts

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Solar Power in Balkh Province

Turkmen-Afghans in Balkh Province in northern Afghanistan are using solar energy instead of candles and kerosene lamps. Many are using the free electricity generated by the sun for their trades and handicrafts. Afghanistan, a poorly-developed country with unreliable sources of electricity, can benefit from the provision of low-cost solar power energy sources. Most of the electricity that comes from power plants goes to urban areas. The vast majority of rural areas in Afghanistan do not have the electrical lines constructed. Read more in "Turkmen-Afghans turn to solar energy", Central Asia Online, November 18, 2014.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Solar Food Dryers Help Villagers Store Food for Long Term Use

The introduction of solar food dryers to Afghan women in Kapisa province has ensured the villages can store food over the long term. Afghan men in the area learned how to build the solar food dryers (assisted by an Agricultural Development Team - ADT). Solar power (Afghanistan has plenty of sun) is an energy source that is relatively inexpensive to tap into when the right low-tech tools are used. View a video entitled In Afghanistan Solar Dryers Make Big Impact by DVIDS dated 8 Feb 13.

www.dvidshub.net/video/281196/afghanistan-solar-dryers-make-big-impact

Monday, April 2, 2012

Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network (GREEN) Used by Marines in Helmand Province

The Marines are leading the way in the military in the use of solar power in Afghanistan. They are now using a new technology called Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network (GREEN) to power small operations centers in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Read the news release and watch a short video describing this technology in "Ground Renewable Expeditionary Energy Network - G.R.E.E.N. Marines", Armed with Science DoD Live, March 31, 2012.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Hybrid Solar and Wind Power Equipment to be Deployed to Small Remote Outposts in Afghanistan

The U.S. Army will soon be deploying hybrid solar and wind power equipment that will provide enough energy to help power small remote outposts in Afghanistan. This initiative is all part of the Army's 'Energy to the Edge' program - see "Rapid Equipping Force develops 'Energy to the Edge' program", Army.mil, August 5, 2011.

Some of the equipment being fielded under the program includes:
Solar Stik 3.0 kW Hybrid System
ZeroBase H-Series 5kW Regenerator
Iris Technologies Personal Power System
Qinetig 1kW JP-8 Generator

Pentagon Employs Solar Energy in Afghanistan

The Afghanistan War, as in all previous wars, has served as a testing ground for new equipment. This equipment can be lethal (as in weapons, ammunition, and explosives) or it can be non-lethal (as in support equipment like computers, communications, or life support). One area that the Department of Defense (DoD) is making great strides in is solar energy. A primary reason for this is the cost of providing energy in the form of fuel and batteries to the many scattered outposts in Afghanistan that are off the power grid. In addition, any fuel for trucks, generators, etc. that does get into Afghanistan has to be shipped over dangerous land routes (through Pakistan) and to its final destination in Afghanistan.

A recent article provides detailed information on the Pentagon's effort on the solar energy front. For instance, the military accounted for 20% of the solar initiatives for the entire government, DoD is incorporating renewable energy to support operational environments in Afghanistan, the military is reducing its dependence on foreign oil, and some bases in Afghanistan are completely powered by solar.

While the info provided is in depth it also has a political slant - be sure to read the last paragraph!  See "Pentagon Goes on Solar Energy Expedition in Afghanistan", Press Action, March 15, 2012.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Solar Energy Needs in Afghanistan - Heavy Demand by Military

With modern technology comes better equipment for Soldiers in the field. Unfortunately, all this new, modern equipment requires power. For a field Soldier that usually means a battery or generator. A battery is heavy to carry and doesn't last long, the generator isn't field transportable and needs fuel.  The military has been pushing solar energy initiatives for the last several years.  Read more in "Soldier Energy Needs Outpacing Technology, Policy", National Defense Magazine, March 2012.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Solar Power Options for Rural Afghanistan

There are a number of non-government agencies, international organizations, and implementing partners engaged in activities to bring power to rural areas of Afghanistan. Solar energy is a viable option for Afghanistan. To learn more about the programs currently underway visit Solar Energy in Afghanistan.