Fuel and Energy Minister Geoff Gallop today unveiled a high technology solar power unit that will play an important role in alleviating human suffering in war-ravaged Cambodia.
"Murdoch University's Renewable Energy Research Institute has developed a self-contained solar unit to provide electricity for Cambodia's Oudong District Hospital," Dr Gallop said.
"Funding for the project was raised by the Australian Red Cross Society, which also identified the hospital's urgent need for an independent source of electricity.
"The solar unit has been dubbed, 'Solar Strength' because the power of the sun will be used to heal and provide better health care."
Dr Gallop said the system's photovoltaic cells would produce reliable power for hospital and medical equipment using 24-volt direct current and 220-volt alternating electricity.
The unit was tropic-proof with inbuilt humidity protection for the electronics. It complied with World Health Organisation standards for vaccine storage and its compact size made it easily transportable.
"The solar powered system, and the training of engineers and technicians in its use, will assist Cambodian efforts to re-establish essential services that are taken for granted in Australia," Dr Gallop said.
"Many talented Australians deserve our congratulations for their work on this project to supply Oudong District Hospital with the power to heal."
