Originally published October 16 2005
Renewable energy resources are a great boon to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The U.S. Department of Energy reports its National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Florida Solar Energy Center have sent solar electric charging stations, and Veggie Van Organization partnered with West Central and the Naples City Council in Florida to transport 13,000 gallons of biodiesel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts that are challenged by the massive power outages in the area.
Solar power systems provide a big benefit after natural disasters, such as hurricanes: They provide a source of power when the power grid is down, and they don't require any fuel.
With that in mind, DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and the Florida Solar Energy Center are providing solar electric charging stations to the town of Kiln, Mississippi, to help residents recover from Hurricane Katrina.
The two organizations are providing two large 2-kilowatt charging stations that could recharge base radio stations or run a refrigerator.
In addition, a smaller 600-watt system will allow people to recharge mobile phones, laptop computers, and hand-held radios.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), a solar lighting company called SOL Inc. has also donated 30 solar-powered lights to the Louisiana State Police.
Carmanah says most of the orders were for solar-powered marine navigation lights for the U.S. Coast Guard, but solar lights were also used to mark railroad bridges and helicopter landing pads.
See the SEIA Web site and the Carmanah press release.
Biodiesel also played a role in recovery operations, as the Veggie Van Organization, a nonprofit advocacy group, partnered with West Central, a farmer-owned biodiesel company, and the Naples City Council in Florida to transport 13,000 gallons of biodiesel to help victims.
The donated fuel powered a former military ship owned by Sub Sea Research, as well as makeshift medical facilities and emergency generators aboard the vessel.
The ship and an accompanying shrimp boat left Florida in mid-September and delivered about 15 tons of food, water, ice, and relief supplies to Louisiana.
The volunteers then had to leave to avoid Hurricane Rita.
See the National Biodiesel Board press release (PDF 21 KB) and the updates on the Veggie Van Web site.
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