Gebrüder Weiss has transported a high-performance solar energy system from Vorarlberg to the Palorinya refugee settlement in northern Uganda as part of the "Solar Power for Palorinya" initiative. The system is capable of generating up to 200 kilowatts of off-grid power, which will reduce fuel costs and environmental impact in the settlement home to over 125,000 refugees.
Solar Energy System Transforms Refugee Settlement
Global logistics company, Gebrüder Weiss, has recently announced the transport of a high-performance solar energy system from Vorarlberg to the Palorinya refugee settlement in northern Uganda. The solar system will be crucial in reducing both fuel costs and environmental impact in the refugee camp, which is home to over 125,000 people who have fled civil unrest in neighboring Sudan.
The system can generate up to 200 kilowatts of off-grid electrical power. It was shipped free-of-charge by Gebrüder Weiss. The initiative — dubbed "Solar Power for Palorinya” — marks a significant step in providing the settlement with reliable energy.
The journey of the solar energy system started in Wolfurt, Austria, where it was loaded into a 40-foot container and transported by rail to Rotterdam. From Rotterdam, the system continued its journey by sea to Mombasa, Kenya, and then by truck to Uganda, thus completing the complex logistics process.
The "Solar Power for Palorinya" initiative aims to replace the existing diesel generators that have been powering the settlement’s workshops, which are essential for the training of refugees. These workshops provide valuable vocational skills, such as carpentry, metalwork, and baking, to young refugees, thereby enabling them to build independent lives.
Collaborative Effort to Deliver Solar Power
The solar energy system was made possible thanks to generous contributions from companies in Vorarlberg and Liechtenstein. These companies donated all the necessary components for the photovoltaic (PV) system. Their support — along with the logistical expertise of Gebrüder Weiss — ensured the system would be safely and efficiently delivered to Palorinya.
Andreas Bilgeri, Manager of Gebrüder Weiss Air & Sea Wolfurt, praised the initiative as an exemplary collaboration that provides lasting benefits to the local population. “This is an exemplary initiative by companies in the region that helps to give the local population a perspective for the future – and it also makes ecological sense,” said Bilgeri. “Solar energy instead of fossil fuels: a sustainable aid project that we are happy to support.”
The solar system will not only provide immediate relief to the refugee settlement, but it will also lay the groundwork for a long-term and sustainable energy solution. The shift to solar power will also help mitigate the environmental footprint of the camp. This promotes cleaner energy practices that are essential for building a greener future.
Practical Implications of Solar Power for Palorinya
For Palorinya’s residents, the arrival of the solar energy system represents a major improvement in their daily lives. Refugees in the settlement have struggled with the challenges of unreliable and costly energy sources. The new solar power system will directly improve the functionality of the workshops by giving refugees access to consistent electricity for their training.
The switch to solar energy also provides a more reliable source of power for the overall settlement. Access to clean energy is a critical issue for many refugee camps worldwide, where energy is often in short supply. Solar energy is a sustainable and reliable alternative. It offers a solution that is both environmentally friendly and economically viable in the long term.
Matthias Burtscher, the aid campaign coordinator, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership. “I am pleased to partner with Gebrüder Weiss, a globally experienced logistics company based in Vorarlberg. Their expertise streamlines our coordination processes and ensures the solar system will arrive safely and on schedule,” said Burtscher.
The "Solar Power for Palorinya" initiative represents a significant step forward in providing sustainable energy to refugee settlements. By replacing outdated diesel generators with a high-performance solar energy system, this project offers a cleaner and more cost-effective energy solution for the Palorinya refugee settlement in northern Uganda.