Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The purpose of this project is to modernize rural community health clinics of Maubin Township, Myanmar, by providing electricity with renewable solar energy, where none currently exists. Through the procurement and installation of two 3-panel solar arrays at 6 community health clinics, each clinic will be provided the basic infrastructure to serve approximately 2,825 families (13,000 people) in total, while reducing CO2 emissions by 0.0702 tons CO2/yr. Upon electrification, health care services can be provided by clinic professionals who will be equipped to triage patients during nightfall; keep medicines refrigerated; and recharge electrical devices for treatment and communications.

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Through the project, the true benefits of solar powered electricity are elevated and brought to awareness, leading to village-wide transformation in how communities‚ function. Providing clean energy accessibility through solar paneled electrification in hard-to-reach areas, who typically rely on diesel powered sources, provides a more sustainable, more affordable, and demonstrated effective energy source for vulnerable communities. 

Over 85% of Maubin Township is rural; as such, it is difficult for these communities to access basic services or organize leadership to voice needs at the national level. Residents here rely heavily on local resources to sustain themselves, which puts increasing pressure on the environment as they attempt to keep up with climate-induced shifts in agriculture, natural events, and hazard-related communication. Green electrification not only alleviates this pressure; it allows for best community practices that are scalable, nimble, and national in scope. While all aspects of the village population are affected by the solar electrification project, women are specifically being empowered. Women hold a crucial and essential role within healthcare accessibility and household living. Throughout its work in Myanmar, CWS has emphasized women‚ empowerment as a core focus to all its programs. As a result, CWS works directly with thousands of women in leadership across the region who are both implementers and trainers of regional best practices. In fact, the solar panel project itself was guided by the needs voiced by women within the health clinic system as they saw major shortfalls in systematic care. Within rural community health clinics, women serve as midwives and manage the clinics during irregular hours‚Äîserving as the triage point for after-hours emergencies and situations. Within the household, women serve as the primary caregivers through cooking, cleaning, and facilitating daily household activities. Women are already taking ownership of activities to lessen overall environmental impacts, such as that of making the household switch to fuel-efficient stoves. Among these essential roles, women are involved in nearly every aspect of living. When provided an alternative that is more efficient, has a greater health and livelihood outcomes among families, and ultimately can provide protection for communities, it is crucial that women are involved in the discussion and implementation of activities. 

As solar energy is used in public facilities, such as emergency shelters and health clinics, the greater awareness the public will have of solar energy as a renewable energy source. While some schools have a few solar panels powering rechargeable batteries, there is an opportunity to expand the use of solar in more schools, more evacuation centers, and additional health clinics throughout the township. This project can make lasting transformational change by leaving a zero-carbon footprint, building a climate-resilient community, one village at a time, and by establishing resource-efficient and sustainable societies.

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