LONDON // Thousands of Syrian refugees will be able to light their homes, charge their phones and chill their food by solar power as Jordan’s Azraq camp became the world’s first refugee camp to be powered by renewable energy, the UN refugee agency said on Wednesday.
Each family in almost 5,000 shelters in the desert camp will be able to use electricity generated by a solar plant.
“Lighting up the camp is not only a symbolic achievement; it provides a safer environment for all camp residents, opens up livelihoods opportunities, and gives children the chance to study after dark,” said Kelly Clements, UNHCR deputy high commissioner.
The Azraq camp in northern Jordan is home to 36,000 Syrians refugees who will all be able to rely on solar power by 2018, UNHCR said.
The switch to solar power will save the agency US$1.5 million (Dh5.5m) per year and function even if funding dries out, UNHCR said.
The money saved will be invested elsewhere, and could be used to improve sanitation, shelters or organise activities around the camp. The solar plant — which cost almost €9m — was funded by the Ikea Foundation, which donated €1 to UNHCR for each light bulb sold in the furniture chain’s stores.
The plant will be connected to the national grid and any surplus electricity generated will be sent back for free.
* Thomson Reuters Foundation
