VietNamNet Bridge – Schneider Electric Viet Nam has completed its renewable energy pilot project in the central province of Quang Binh.

Six months after work began, the solar power station is now able to generate 11kW of electricity to a mountain village in Thuong Trach Commune, in Bo Trach District.

The US$160,000 power station will begin generating energy at the end of this month, providing electricity for lighting around the clock to 150 villagers, and a number of soldiers and customs agents.

To help villagers cut costs, Schneider Electric Viet Nam intends to launch energy-saving educational campaigns.

"If successful, this project will be extended to other areas in Viet Nam. As well as providing a green and stable source of electricity, we hope this project will change for the better the economy, culture and social conditions of local residents," said Olivier Jacquet, Schneider Electric, Country president Viet Nam – Cambodia.

Bernard Saincy, president of the Suez Foundation, which funded the project, said renewable energy could meet the demands of remote villages throughout Viet Nam.

The renewable energy project is part of Schneider Electric's Bip-Bop community action programme designed to bring green, clean, safe and sustainable electricity to 1.6 billion people throughout the world who have no access to energy while helping minimise green house gas emissions.

The Quang Binh project is Schneider Electric's first in Viet Nam.

* Factory closed for polluting river

The Quang Ngai Sugar Joint Stock Company's board of directors yesterday, Dec 14, closed the alcohol plant.

Production at the factory was suspended last March. Company bosses were told by environmental officials to relocate the plant in Duc Pho District for polluting the environment.

The plant killed thousands of fish by discharging waste water into the Tra Khuc River.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News