Monday, NRG Energy Inc. announced the completion of the first project of a new partnership with the William J. Clinton Foundation to continue bringing the benefits of solar power to Haiti. An advanced solar panel power system was installed at Hospital Bernard Mevs, one of the only trauma, critical care and rehabilitation hospitals in Haiti, with contributions from leading solar technology manufacturers SMA, Unirac, Trina and Sunora Energy.

Solar power can help improve the quality and reliability of health care delivery to the more than 10,000 patients that the hospital treats every year by significantly reducing its dependence on an unreliable grid power system [EDH]. The 100-kilowatt solar array and battery storage system is also expected to empower the hospital to enhance its life-saving services and equipment.

"The Clinton Foundation is continuing to support Haiti’s long-term recovery efforts and sustainable development by expanding clean energy infrastructure," said Bruce Lindsey, chief executive officer, Clinton Foundation. "I’m pleased we’ve been able to work with NRG Energy on a new, complete solar power panel system for Hospital Bernard Mevs that will enable the hospital to provide quality health care for its patients."

Dr. Barth A. Green, President and co-founder of Project Medishare, added, "Bernard Mevs is the only hospital in Haiti with neonatal, pediatric and adult ICUs equipped with life-saving ventilators and life support technology, requiring a reliable source of power."

When completed, the hospital will benefit from solar power in three main ways :

• The solar system will significantly offset the need for diesel-fueled electricity.

• The reliable energy source will provide the "always on" power needed to protect sensitive medical equipment from regular power surges or outages that can be damaging.

• The emissions-free energy source will reduce pollution.

"This partnership will help to ensure the talented physicians at this critical health care facility will have the reliable electricity and affordable grid independence they need to provide quality health care services to all patients," said David Crane, NRG President and CEO. "This project is a first step in our new partnership with the Clinton Foundation, and the participation of our solar technology partners will help us, together, advance NRG’s broader corporate strategy to alleviate energy poverty and promote cleaner energy solutions."

The project received support from leading solar technology manufacturers, including SMA, Unirac, Trina and Sunora Energy Solutions, which donated all of the solar panels, equipment and materials needed to install the Hospital Bernard Mevs array.

HL/ HaitiLibre