On 9 February last, Haiti set up its first electric cooperative, bringing together some 372 members for the inaugural meeting. In a country where less than 40 per cent of the population have access to energy, the electric cooperative marks an important step towards more accessible and sustainable energy. The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Energy Security.

UNEP, as part of the broader initiative, is helping the Government develop a hybrid mini-grid system to cover three neighbouring municipalities in the South Department: Roche-à-Bateau, Coteaux and Port-à-Piment.

By July 2014, the system will generate 130KW by solar and 200KW by diesel. It will be managed as a sustainable local business that will benefit some 1,600 households. Training of the local technicians and system managers is needed and over 52 kilometres of voltage lines will be put in place. Local residents have lauded the project and welcome its potential for stimulating income-generating activities.

This project is part of the Programme Energie Sud promoted by UNEP, also in the frame of the Côte Sud Initiative.

For more information: Cassidy.travis@unep.org