HOMs in front of the entrance to the Areza and Maidma Solar Mini Grid Project
Human Rights & Democracy
Heads of Missions in Eritrea visit Areza-Maidma Solar PV Mini Grid Project
The delegation was composed of
Nicole Miller, Chargé d'Affaires, Delegation of the European Union to the State of Eritrea
Luciano De Flaviis, Programme Manager Energy, EUD Cooperation section
Natalie E. Brown, Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy Asmara
Alisdair Walker, HM Ambassador, British Embassy
Aykut Kumbaroğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey
Elmar Kreutzer, Country representative GIZ, German Cooperation Agency
Tesfay Zekarias, Director General, Ministry of Energy and Mines
Tesfai Ghebrehiwot, Project Manager and Director of the Eritrean Renewable Energy Centre, Ministry of Energy and Mines
Henok Amine, Project Manager for Eritrean Electric Corporation
The visitors were impressed by the magnitude of the installation and by the fact that such an achievement has already starting changing the quality of life of the local population, as newly income generating activities: small shops and SMEs, and/or simply the fact to have light after darkens for study and entertainment. The delegation visited both sites understanding the efforts made in the face of the complexities given by the remoteness of the area and the commitment shown by the contractors and local communities. There was also time for the participants to a enjoy cold drink in one of the small restaurants which is now powered by green energy. The delegation also discussed the challenges that such an intervention produces on a number of levels, discussing with local authorities the remedies that need to be put in place.
