Solar energy saves lives - even without electricity
While the world watches various conflicts unfold, Connexio develop and its partner organizations provide concrete aid on the ground. The challenges are great, but with targeted measures, the aid reaches the people who need it most urgently.
In Ukraine in particular, war and violence are threatening the civilian population. Attacks are increasingly destroying the power supply - with fatal consequences for hospitals that depend on reliable electricity.
Clean electricity for the hospital in Kalush
The district hospital in Kalush serves around 285,000 people - but the Russian attacks on the power infrastructure are jeopardizing patient care. Operating theaters and intensive care units in particular are in constant need of electricity.
This is why the hospital is now installing solar panels on the roof. Experts from Ukraine, who currently live in Switzerland, have drawn up a feasibility study as part of a further education program "Reconstruction Ukraine" at Bern University of Applied Sciences. This resulted in a partnership with BKW Energie AG and SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs).
In the first phase of the project, an 80-kilowatt solar system was connected to the grid. Connexio develop is now supporting the second phase: a further 100 kilowatts of power - this time with panels produced in Ukraine. This saves transportation costs and strengthens the local economy.
The Mayor of Kalush, Andrii Naida, and the General Director of the hospital, Yaroslav Moroz, personally thanked Connexio develop for its vital support.
An end to the war of aggression is not in sight, and peace negotiations fail time and again.
As always, the civilian population suffers the most. That is why this support can literally save lives.