The GEF SGP project ?Environment Protection Practices through Introduction of Renewable Energy Initiatives? was implemented in Sang-e-Nawishta district of Kabul in Afghanistan where about 120 households live, and most of them are very poor. Lack of clean drinking water and access to lighting (electricity) in the area were among the problems that the community were confronted, and people were using polluted canal water for drinking purposes and this was the major cause of diseases in children and women.
With the support of SGP, two wind turbines having the capacity of 5KW each (total 10KW) were installed in the area. The clean energy produced under this project is being used for lightening and pumping clean drinking water to the community, and avoids approximately 60 matric tones of CO2 per year. As people were using Kerosene oil in the latrines for lightening, now people have access to clean lighting which has
obvious health benefits. The other co-benefits of the project are raising awareness and improved education; school children have access to computers, and they accomplish their homework at night under the light.
One of the most promising aspect of this project is the local manufacturing of components of the wind turbine. It is a purely Afghan made wind turbines which works with high efficiency.
The implementing agency has got an appreciating certificate from the upper hours of the parliament.
The project is a good model for demonstrating clean energy practices in Afghanistan which could be replicated in other parts of the country where the potential for wind energy production exist.
SGP Afghanistan commends timely and efficient support extended by UNOPS support New York team in this accomplishment.