Nicaragua wind-solar project

International Power and WPD are the latest companies to support a Koru Foundation project that will provide electricity for a poor community in Nicaragua.

This August, 67 residents from Cajinquil will experience, quite literally, the new winds of change, by seeing the start of a wind and electric solar system hybrid projecting their village thanks to funding from two of the world's leading wind energy generators WPD and International Power.

The system will provide power for water pumps and local businesses such as a mango jam factory, as well as for homes, a school and a community health centre. This will replace the use of unhealthy paraffin lamps and will create more opportunities to improve the health, education and income of the residents living in Cajinquil.

Dr. Keith Tyrell, Koru Foundation Development Director says: "We are very pleased that WPD and International Power have generously agreed to sponsor this project, thanks to their funding children will be able to be educated for longer, people will be able to earn a living through small businesses and a new generation has hope of breaking out of grinding poverty".

As the chosen charity of both British and European Wind Energy Associations, Koru acts as a link between commercial companies and poor communities. It enables the sector to use its skills, knowledge and incredible generosity to change the lives of those who are hit the hardest by climate change.

Stuart Hall, the Director and Founder of Natural Power and one of Koru Foundations Sponsors says "the Koru Foundation is almost like the conscience of the sector, reminding us early pioneers of the industry that renewable energy is not only important at the large, commercial scale but is equally important at the community level".

Just two years after the charity was founded, Koru is already supporting communities in Nepal, Cuba, Peru, the South Pacific and now Nicaragua - thanks to the funding of the Friends of Koru and other supporters, such as WPD and International Power.