Lack of energy supply is one of the most desperate problems in the poorest regions of the world – despite there being no shortage of sunshine in many cases. Solar energy can provide sustainable relief here. However, financing opportunities for the installation of solar systems are lacking in almost all of the relevant regions. Sharp has founded the new Sun and Stars initiative jointly with the initiators of the renowned Cinema for Peace foundation, which brokers energy partnerships for developing regions, thereby providing easy access to solar energy for people in need.
"The topics of peace, environment and energy are directly related. Jointly with the organisers of Cinema for Peace we have developed a concept, which raises awareness of the unbelievable poverty suffered by many people in our world and provides aid by means of concrete actions," said Peter Thiele, Executive Vice President, Sharp Energy Solution Europe. "Sharp is pleased to support the Sun and Stars initiative. This is a unique opportunity for us to promote the increased utilisation of solar energy, together with famous names in the film industry."
Solar energy for Haiti
The use of fossil fuels is becoming less common and not only in industrialised countries. Conversion to regenerative energy sources is an absolute necessity in view of the climate change. Especially in many economically poor and crisis-ridden countries, supplying solar power would be easy because solar radiation is very high in many cases.
The initiative's first project is the installation of a solar system in the camp on Haiti, which is managed by Sean Penn. Sharp is financing the plant as well as installing and commissioning it.
Having a power supply can solve acute problems here, for instance, by providing an electricity supply to hospitals, and at the same time create long-term sources of income. However, financing opportunities for the installation of solar systems are rarely available.
This is where Sun and Stars comes in. The initiative brokers ‘energy partnerships' between solar and other clean energy companies ("Suns"), as well as project sponsors in crisis and development regions to support them in generating renewable energy. The partnerships are proposed by members of the Cinema for Peace committee ("Stars"). The launch of the solar power project for Haiti is intended to be the prelude for further similar projects.
