Wind Energy Project Improves Livelihoods in Rural Areas
In Hanchon, a district in Pyongwon county, South Pyongan province, farmers Mr. Ri Chum Uk and Mr. Kin Yong Ki have small wind turbines installed at their homes. They measure five metres high and generate 300 Watts of energy that charge individual 12 volt batteries. The farmers say they can operate such electrical items as two light bulbs, a television,and other small household electrical appliances.
- This simple technology markedly improves peoples’ lives
- Owners of wind turbines regularly charge the batteries and flashlights of neighbours
The two farmers reported that the annual maintenance of the wind turbine is about US$ 5. To charge a battery takes between four and six hours and it can last about seven days, depending upon wind velocity and the state of the battery. In the village, neighbours can bring their battery to get it charged at Mr. Ri or Mr. Kim’s house.
Both men said that they enjoyed having the wind turbines, as they allowed them to have electricity when they wanted it.
The role of UNDP’s wind energy project is to promote and expand this green technology by improving quality standards and guidelines, and demonstrating best practices for households and community buildings to improve people’s direct access to energy in concrete ways.
In the city of Pyongsong, a large 5 kW wind turbine and a solar panel (total cost US$ 30,000) are used at the county hospital. The staff strategically use the renewable energy to conduct operations and obstetric aid in emergency cases during electrical outages. The wind turbine backs up the work of two operating and emergency rooms.