The projects were built in partnership with the Solar Electric Light Fund as part of a $1 million commitment by NRG Energy through the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).
The Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund added an additional $500,000 to the investment in several projects in Haiti’s Central Plateau.
“NRG’s commitment in Haiti’s Central Plateau demonstrates the positive effects solar power installations can have on a community,” said President Clinton. “I am proud that my Foundation has partnered with NRG on this project, which works with Haitian schools, farms and businesses to make a real difference in the lives of Boucan Carré residents in an environmentally friendly manner. I was glad to visit NRG’s project sites and see the progress being made, and I look forward to seeing its success continue.”
The first of the two projects toured was the Lashto Fish Farm, a hatchery using 63 photovoltaic (PV) panels (14,490 watts total) to run the fish tank air filtration system and a battery system to provide 24/7 power under normal weather conditions.
The project is intended to increase production of tilapia and create additional fish farming jobs that contribute to economic prosperity and food security for Haiti.
The second project visited was the Bon Berger du Domond School, which is considered a prime example of solar installations currently being developed at a score of Haitian schools.
The school, which was constructed through a donation from the Digicel Foundation, uses 12 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels (2,760 watts total) and a backup battery system to power lights, computers and an electric piano, enabling the school to teach adult literacy classes and serve as a community center at night.
Additional solar installations at facilities operated by Partners in Health— Mirebalais Hospital and Boucan Carré Health Center, a rural health clinic—were also included on the tour.
The William J. Clinton Foundation has long been committed to building Haiti’s green energy structure and has worked with a number of green energy organizations, including NRG, to address the problem of high energy costs in Haiti. Clinton Foundation partners are working on low-cost clean energy alternatives, creating recycling systems to help manage Haiti’s waste, and developing new methods for cooking through effective cook stoves and recycled briquettes to replace charcoal.
NRG's The Sun Lights the Way: Brightening Boucan Carré CGI commitment encompasses a variety of solar projects, both completed and under development, including two fish farms, 20 schools, a drip irrigation system for farming and two micro enterprise centers that support small Haitian businesses.
“It’s been a privilege to work with CGI and our partners to identify, plan and execute solar projects that bring light, hope and lasting positive impact to this region of Haiti,” said Crane. “Solar power makes absolutely perfect sense in a country that suffers from low electrification rates, high dependency on fossil fuels and high supply prices. As the largest solar developer in the U.S., NRG is proud to bring our industry leadership and expertise to Haiti.”
For additional information:
