CARITAS AOTEAROA NEW ZEALAND

MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11 January 2016

From Paris to the Pacific: putting COP21 agreement into practice

In the wake of the historic climate agreement in Paris, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is wasting no time in contributing to a global movement responding to climate change.

Working in partnership with New Zealand company Powerhouse Wind and the Bishop Koete Rural Training Centre on Nggela Island in Solomon Islands, the social justice agency's project will install a new wind turbine to provide sustainable power to the community.

“Coming hot on the heels of the Paris climate change conference, this environmentally sustainable solution points the way to future energy sources - both in the Pacific and worldwide” says Caritas Director Julianne Hickey.

Currently, the major source of power for the school community is a small diesel generator, which burns a significant proportion of the school’s budget, is restricted to around three hours of running per day, and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

“I was present at the recent climate change conference in Paris when the world’s nations adopted an achievable but challenging goal. To make that vision a reality we need practical alternatives which are in keeping with local communities and cultures. The partnership that Caritas is involved with in the Solomon Islands is an example of such a practical alternative,” says Mrs Hickey.

A relatively small amount of power can make a big difference to a rural community and school. The wind-derived energy will be used for lighting, water pumping, computer and phone charging, and the operation of power tools and sewing machines in the training centre. Situated in the southeast trade wind zone, this site and many others in the Solomons have great potential for wind generation.

The training of local staff at the rural training centre is being supported by Caritas to help develop the skills locally to install, operate and maintain the turbine. A combination of local expertise and technical knowledge from Powerhouse Wind will open the way to establishing the relevant local training modules for this work.

“These projects build on the strengths of local communities, combining innovative technology solutions which are respectful of local culture and of self-determination,” says Mrs Hickey.

ENDS

© Scoop Media