People Behind The Actions Vincent Van Acker

VINCENT WORKS FOR ALSTOM GRID, REDMOND, WA IN THE USA. HE IS PROJECT PROMOTER AND COORDINATOR FOR THE KRISTY CAPE ACADEMY PROJECT AT MUHURU BAY, KENYA. THE OBJECTIVE IS TO SET UP A COMMUNITY MICRO GRID POWERED BY WIND ENERGY, SOLAR AND ENERGY STORAGE. THE ELECTRICITY GENERATED WILL BE USED TO POWER THE SCHOOL (KRISTY CAPE ACADEMY). BATTERY KITS WILL REPLACE KEROSENE FOR LIGHTING AND TO CHARGE CELLPHONES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY. HERE IS, IN 3 QUESTIONS, THE STORY OF HIS INVOLVEMENT IN THIS GREAT PROJECT. * "How did you come across this project?" I had been working with Steve Szablya and Henry Louie from Seattle University on similar - much smaller projects aiming at delivering affordable electricity to rural areas in Zambia. Through our contacts we knew about a location in Kenya where there was a clear need for affordable power. The location at the shores of Lake Victoria had been identified as very promising for both wind and solar power production. * "Why did you submit it to the Foundation?" We had this project in mind for a while. However, to make this enterprise really meaningful and impactful, we had to increase the scope. So, when we found out that Alstom Foundation could provide grants for this type of projects, we did not hesitate, and applied. As an Alstom employee, I'm very proud to see that my company is willing to support this type of projects. * "What is your role within this project?" I am Project coordinator: managing the numerous volunteers, timelines, budget control, communication with Alstom Foundation, vendors. I am leading the project meetings every two weeks, since August 2013. I was also involved in developing the business model for the charging station. "Photo courtesy of Vincent Van Acker (left), in Muhura Bay with colleagues from the Alstom Grid Nairobi office: Clemencia Ongaki, Jozef and Eddy."

Credit: renewable-energy-world.blogspot.com