Energy distribution 531
Clean energy works best if a mix of different sources is used. If one source
becomes unavailable, such as sunshine on cloudy days, or falling water in the
dry season, the other sources are still able to make power.
Fossil fuel energy distributes electricity, dependence, and pollution. Clean
energy distributes electricity, independence, self-reliance, and sustainability.
Solar-powered rural clinics
In a remote part of Burma near the border of Thailand, people of the Karen
ethnic community live in constant struggle with the Burmese military. Due
to this oppression, no governmental or non-governmental organization
(NGO) is able to provide health care in this area. But Karen groups on the
Thailand side of the border have built a network of medics supporting over
28 clinics that care for almost 100,000 people in the region. The medics treat
land mine victims and other people wounded in the conflict, as well as other
health problems.
Three NGOs, Green Empowerment, Sun Power Energy International, and
a local group called Border Green Energy Team, brought solar panels and
batteries to the border and trained Karen villagers, refugees, and medics
to assemble and use them. The medics carried the equipment through the
jungle. Now all 28 clinics in the war zone have electricity to run lights, laptop
computers, and life-saving medical equipment, and villagers know how to
repair and maintain their own solar energy systems.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012