Global technology company ABB is set to deliver reliable power in Nairobi, Kenya through the implementation of a state-of-the-art microgrid for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The new hybrid microgrid, which runs on solar energy and diesel, allows the humanitarian group to prioritise renewable power while reducing carbon emissions. The project is set to complete by the middle of 2017.
Praising the partnership with the ICRC, ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer said:
"Microgrids have enormous potential in Africa, where more than 600 million people live without access to electricity. Reliable access to electricity is essential to speed up economic development."
ICRC president Peter Maurer said the installation of the microgrid aligns with the group's goal to utilise environmentally-friendly technology.
"Reliable power is essential for our staff to continue their life-saving work uninterrupted in the field.
"Solutions like this are proof that cooperation between the corporate and humanitarian sectors is not only possible, but imperative."
In addition to training ICRC engineers, ABB has been a member of the ICRC corporate support group for the past decade, contributing to water and habitat programmes for victims of conflict in the DRC and Iraq.
