The prospect of using solar energy to provide power to disaster areas on a temporary basis is not a new idea. Hurricane Hugo in 1988 is believed to be the first disaster in which solar energy was used to provide power. Since then, solar energy has become hugely advanced, however, diesel generators and battery-powered lights still continue to dominate disaster relief efforts. Here at Grian, we believe now is the time to seriously consider solar energy as being the best energy solution for disaster relief.
Speed of Deployment
In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, time is the most critical factor to ensure that essential services can operate, lives are saved and the relief efforts can begin immediately. A recent study of the effects of power outages in Ghana found that the risk for mortality was estimated to increase by 43% for each day the power was out for over 2 hours. A fast deployment time is absolutely essential in providing relief for disaster-stricken countries in desperate need of properly functioning electricity.
If we look at hospitals, for example, their fuel-powered generators will require refuelling which must be hauled or flown in – not just once, but for as long as this back-up power supply is needed. This affords solar energy solutions a clear advantage particularly when recovery of the primary electric supply takes a number of days or weeks.
Rapid solar energy solutions such as Grian, which takes just 30 minutes from touchdown to deployment, can be the best solution to disaster relief. Grian’s versatility of delivery by land, sea or air, speed of deployment and ability to produce large quantities of power quickly and remotely, make it the system of choice for any agency involved in delivering emergency relief from disasters. One Grian system can produce enough power to support life and essential services when primary and tertiary power sources are unavailable. Once primary and tertiary power sources are restored, Grian can be quickly extracted and redeployed or serviced and stored for the next deployment.
The End of Diesel Dominance
It is clear that diesel has a huge dominance in disaster relief power supply. However, it can be extremely difficult to haul or fly into an area which has just experienced a major disaster. By understanding the numerous logistical and environmental benefits that rapid solar energy will provide to a disaster-stricken area, we can begin to end the dominance of diesel in energy provision and provide a fast, effective, safe energy solution for disaster relief.
The Argument for Solar Energy
Most natural disasters knock out the power supply for quite some time, and while rapid recovery of the power grid is ideal, in the interim – the use of rapid solar energy is a fast and temporary solution to the problem. Solar energy systems such as Grian can be shipped to the affected area, quickly deployed and provide large amounts of power. It can save lives and has the added bonus of providing an environmentally friendly and safe power source when compared to diesel generators or battery-powered lights.
The use of rapid solar energy in disaster zones provides reliable, renewable energy in a time of great uncertainty for that area. It ensures that essential services, such as healthcare, can remain operational and that the people most affected get the best chance of survival.
Although solar energy makes the most sense for providing fast, reliable power to disaster areas, it is still not considered during many relief planning processes and is not stored and ready to go when disasters happen. Here at Grian, we believe in the power of solar energy for supporting disaster relief and strongly believe that NGOs need to consider its numerous benefits when planning relief processes. One Grian unit has the capability to power 20 average Nigerian homes per year. Our solar energy system is easy to transport and deploy and was created by an experienced team with military backgrounds who have seen the first-hand impact of energy loss in disaster areas as well as the benefits that solar energy can provide.
Get in touch with our Team
The team who established Grian have an experienced military background having worked and lived in war-torn areas for many years. Rapid solar energy can be the solution to disaster relief and an easily transported, timely solution such as Grian goes beyond other conventional energy systems to deliver sustainable energy as a complete solution.
To learn more about Grian and how it can provide the solution to energy supply in disaster relief, get in touch with us today or book a meeting online here to discuss your specific requirements.
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