Future Energy Solutions Unveiled
In Sierra Leone, the international organization Welthungerhilfe is making significant strides in addressing the energy needs of rural communities and promoting sustainable development. The focus is on installing solar power systems to replace diesel generators, a move that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and cut local air and noise pollution.
The project, currently underway in Bo (initially as a pilot), Kenema, and Makeni cities, and at Welthungerhilfe’s headquarters in Freetown, is providing a cleaner, more cost-effective energy model. Schools, hospitals, small agricultural processing facilities, shops, and administrative buildings are among the institutions benefiting from this transition.
In addition to energy solutions, Welthungerhilfe is also addressing waste management issues. The organization is rehabilitating and closing illegal dumpsites, such as the Bomerh site in Bo, and engaging stakeholders to facilitate the relocation of settlers around these sites. This initiative contributes to better environmental conditions and indirectly supports sustainable development in these locations.
Community involvement is a key aspect of these projects. In the case of the dumpsite rehabilitation, stakeholder meetings are held for resettlement processes to ensure smooth implementation.
Solar energy is being sold in energy kiosks in remote villages, providing an affordable solution for those without a direct power supply to charge their devices. Previously, people and institutions in rural regions met their energy needs through the use of firewood, charcoal, and diesel generators, which have negative environmental impacts and are costly.
Welthungerhilfe's partners in these projects include Energy for Opportunity (ENFO), IBIS, COOPI, and the local administration and the national Ministry of Energy, ensuring the long-term maintenance and upkeep of the facilities.
As the rollout continues, Sierra Leone is moving towards a more sustainable energy future, with the hope of achieving Welthungerhilfe's mission of zero hunger.
- In collaboration with environmental-science experts, Welthungerhilfe is promoting the use of renewable-energy sources like solar power to combat climate-change effects, particularly in rural communities, by replacing diesel generators and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- To further support sustainable development, Welthungerhilfe is also working on waste management issues, such as rehabilitating and closing illegal dumpsites, like the Bomerh site in Bo, and engaging stakeholders to ensure a smooth resettlement process.
- To ensure the long-term financial sustainability of these projects, Welthungerhilfe is collaborating with local industries and the national Ministry of Energy, as well as partners like Energy for Opportunity (ENFO) and IBIS, to maintain and upkeep the facilities, including the energy kiosks that provide affordable solar energy solutions in remote villages.
