Womintra wins ASEAN energy award

Yemris Fointuna, Kupang

The Women in Transition Foundation (Womintra) won the first prize in the New and Renewable Energy Source awards held by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last month.

The foundation beat competitors from other southeast Asian countries after its environmentally friendly electricity project was declared the best by competition judges.

Executive director of the foundation Susi MD Katipana said that the project, titled Photovoltaic-Wind Hybrid Rural Power Supply Using Participatory Development, was developed and used in Oeledo, East Rote district, Rote regency.

The subdistrict is both remote and isolated.

The project uses solar panels, windmills and car storage batteries that can generate and store electricity.

The award trophy will be presented to the foundation in Manila, the Philippines capital, on June 9 this year, when the ministers of mines and energy of the southeast Asian countries convene a meeting there.

Katipana recalled on Friday that the project won the competition because it did not produce pollution and offered huge benefits to communities in remote areas. The project will enable local residents to enjoy the benefits of modernity, including TV, radio and the use of other appliances. "Children will be able to study at night more conveniently by electric light," she said.

Mothers would also be able to use electricity to power household appliances that helped them to cook or keep their homes clean.