Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd.(NYSE: STP), the world's largest producer of solar panels, has announced that it will create a Commitment to Action as part of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting to help power the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suntech will donate up to 300 kilowatts of solar panels to the hospital, which will significantly reduce its dependence on expensive diesel generators and firewood.
"With a quarter of the world's population in developing countries lacking access to basic electricity, it is critical that developed nations and corporations around the world collaborate to solve this issue now," said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech's founder, Executive Chairman, and Chief Strategy Officer. "Our mission is to provide reliable access to solar energy to everyone, especially in developing countries, and by creating a commitment with the Clinton Global Initiative, we hope to alleviate energy poverty in remote communities around the world that lack basic electricity."
The Panzi Hospital has 334 patient beds and provides treatment relating to obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, and nutrition - all while struggling with unreliable access to public electricity.
Over the years, Suntech has driven many campaigns to raise awareness and alleviate energy poverty around the world. In Tanzania, Suntech donated solar panels to the Sega Girls School, where the clean electricity helps generate a more capable and self-sustaining generation of young women. In Lebanon, it collaborated with a local partner to supply solar panels for 19 remote schools. Suntech has also donated solar panels to support the electrification of hospitals in Haiti. In addition, Suntech launched its Low Carbon Concept Museum in June 2010, which has attracted students from around the world to learn the intimate relationship between energy and human civilization.