The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Wednesday it has approved a 750,000-dollar grant to help develop solar energy technology in isolated rural areas in Afghanistan. The grant will be used to provide solar systems to 10 communities on a pilot basis and train 10 persons from different ethnic groups as solar technicians at a centre in India, the Manila-based ADB said. "Upon return, they will train 10 additional persons from their communities in installing and maintaining solar systems as energy entrepreneurs," the bank said in a statement. The ADB noted that estimates indicate that solar radiation in Afghanistan averages about 6.5 kilowatt-hours per square meter per day, and the skies are sunny for about 300 days a year. "The potential for solar energy development is huge," said Ali Azimi, an ADB senior environment specialist and mission leader for the project. "Solar energy could also contribute significantly to progress in education, health, agriculture and other income generating activities to reduce poverty," he added. The ADB said the grant will "demonstrate how solar energy could be used to enhance the quality of life for low-income communities living in remote villages with no prospects for grid electricity". "It would also show how a community-based approach could lead to the success of such programmes," it added. The Ministry of Water and Power will execute the grant, which is due for completion in December 2006. The Afghan government is contributing 150,000 dollars for the project. --SP 1147 Local Time 0847 GMT
