Vestas, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based Masdar, launched a new initiative to help bring affordable wind power to rural populations. Wind for Prosperity will provide a commercially-based business model to help expand reliable electricity via wind to help communities’ economic growth.
The UN secretary general’s special representative Kandeh Yumkella said sustainability was all about PPPs. He said, “If good technologies can’t be financed, an energy revolution is impossible.” And the Vestas-led scheme will do just that, combining refurbished wind turbines with advanced diesel power generation to create hybrid systems. These are suited to operate on mini-grids in remote locations with limited infrastructure – ideal for areas in Africa. The company said the turbines are easy to transport and erect with a proven track record.
Vestas Senior Vice President Morten Albaek said, “Wind for Prosperity uses Vestas’ unique weather data processing capabilities to identify energy-poor but wind-rich areas where Vestas’ wind hybrid solutions
can power social and economic growth.” He added that it was a “triple win” by generating growth, reducing pollution all the while making a profit.
The first projects will focus on 13 Kenyan communities housing more than 200,000 people, expected to supply power at least 30% lower than the current cost (based on diesel only). Frontier Investment Management is actively involved in developing the Kenyan opportunity and together with Vestas is exploring potential Wind for Prosperity projects in other African countries.
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