Renowned Solar Energy Expert Empowers The People Of Africa To Power Their Continent

 
WASHINGTON - April 6, 2016 - PRLog -- Solar energy expert, Dr. Richard Komp, briefed dignitaries, African media and members of the African diaspora on promising ways to open up solar power for millions on the African continent at a human rights event held at the Church of Scientology National Affairs Office. The event was co-hosted by the Partnership League for Africa's Development (PLAD) and Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI).

Dr. Komp explained how, using discoveries and innovations he developed, individuals and communities with no previous access to electricity could learn how to harness solar power to light and power their homes and businesses. With just the building materials they can find in their own backyards and open air markets, they can completely transform their lives.

According to World Energy Outlook (WEO), in 2013, more than 20% of the world's population-over 1.2 billion people worldwide-were still without access to electricity, nearly all in developing countries.  According to the World Bank's website, universal access to electricity in the next 20 years would require annual investments of $35-$40 billion.

Dr. Komp, on the other hand, who has been working in the field for over 50 years, has taught the people of small villages in South Africa, Mali, Rwanda, Niger, Ghana, Colombia, Haiti, Chile, Pakistan, Nicaragua and India every step of the process of harnessing energy-newly lighting homes, schools, churches and hospitals-at incredibly low cost and without the need for massive industrialization, the laying of wires or other costly and, in some remote areas, impossible requirements.  Dr. Komp explained that solar energy is environmentally friendly, cost effective and simple and he is dedicated to proving that energy is not only for those already with means, but for everyone.

"I will help anyone for free who makes less than $2 a day," Dr. Komp announced, alluding to the people in developing nations with whom he has worked.  He has taught individuals innovative ways to build solar panels using cells from solar companies no longer in business in the United States and local materials in those developing countries.  And he has taught them how to construct and repair the existing solar panels, making the individuals entirely self-reliant.  They can then transfer that knowledge to future generations, building capacity in renewable energy.

Dr. Komp constructed his own home in Harrington, Maine, all with solar energy technology, which has provided him free electricity for over 32 years.  The home serves as the headquarters for the non-profit, Skyheat Associates, of which Dr. Komp is co-founder and director.

PLAD is a grass-roots organization founded by Ms. Binta Terrier, economist and International Monetary Fund Senior Research Analyst.  Ms. Terrier saw the need for the African diaspora and friends of Africa to come together to help address the systemic human right issuesin Africa.  PLAD believes that human rights issues can be best addressed by improving social development through good governance, rule of law and democracy. The cornerstones of their strategy are education, health, agriculture and the environment.

Youth for Human Rights International is a nonprofit organization founded in 2001 by Dr. Mary Shuttleworth, an educator born and raised in apartheid South Africa, where she witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of discrimination and the lack of basic human rights. The purpose of YHRI is to teach youth about human rights, specifically the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and inspire them to become advocates for tolerance and peace.  YHRI accomplishes this through simple yet empowering, high-quality human rights education materials for youth, teachers and officials in 17 languages.

Both Youth for Human Rights and PLAD believe that access to energy is a basic human right.
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