News / Shetland trains Saharans in solar energy
FORTY solar projects are being planned in the Sahara desert thanks to a training partnership with a small renewable energy business based in Britain’s most northerly isle.
The Unst-based Pure Energy Centre Ltd (PEC) designed a training programme in solar energy and delivered its first course in French and Arabic for 20 senior project managers in Tunisia.
Representatives from the Shetland company head out to Tunisia again at the end of this month to attract new business at an international conference that will be attended by energy ministers from throughout the Mediterranean and Arabic world.
PEC say that there is a high demand for training courses in the latest developments in solar power technology, solar application design engineering, solar system installation and how to use solar energy more effectively.
The company, which is based on one of the country’s most remote industrial estates, is at the forefront of hydrogen energy and storage, installing seven systems in the UK this year.
PEC business manager Elizabeth Johnson said they were expanding into solar and wind power due to demand and has plans to instal systems in the UK, Europe, North Africa and Faroe.
Even Shetland could benefit from solar energy systems, Mrs Johnson said. “The technology has moved on and they work very well when there is just day light, you don’t necessarily need sunshine.
“We have installed systems in Faroe and it works very well there so I think we are going to start seeing more solar in Shetland.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
