By Getachew Teklemariam Alemu, PM Forum

ADDIS ABABA — The biggest solar power project in East Africa, which is being implemented by a German Solar Energy Foundation, is achieving its milestones by installing 2,000 solar systems in/around Rema village in Ethiopia. The project has realized a supply of power to 5,500 residents in the country. Harald Schutziechel, founder and former head of Freiburg, is leading the charity work, with significant support from Good Energies Foundation; an affiliate of New York based renewable energy investor Good Energies.

According to schutziechel, head of the charity work, the interest of the project is not just to install solar systems but rather to train the villagers in installing and maintaining the systems, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the project.

He has also indicated that with a growth in the solar system market in Ethiopia, a partnership with two interested companies is on way to produce the materials in country, and replace the imports, which are being purchased from china.

In addition, the foundation is looking forward to opening 50 solar training centers across the country, comprising classrooms, workshops, and student dormitories. For more on the activities of Good Energies look at www.goodenergies.com