Photo: The new solar street lights illuminate a dark street near the TWPC project.
Nancy is particularly appreciative of the improvements in local infrastructure she has noticed since construction began on the nearby Tra Vinh and Ecotech projects, funded by Climate Investor One. She recalls a recent time when the village streets were unlit, making the busy road that passes through the village unsafe at night time.
The wind power project has changed this scenario. "I am totally supporting this project," she says. "Before, all the streets were dark and dangerous. Now, thanks to the wind project, we have more lights in the area and attract more visitors.“
The installation of solar streetlights, as part of the community development programme for the wind farm projects known as TWPC Wind Project and Ecotech Wind Project, has improved visibility, making commutes safer and attracting more visitors to the businesses in the village. The increased tourist footfall has also presented new opportunities for the local economy, providing residents with alternatives to traditional occupations like fishing. The family of Nancy decided to invest in motorcycling parking bays and lodging on the street where the project is located, as well as selling Wind Farm merchandise to visitors.
Our conversation with Nancy brings to light another example of how Clean Power projects can have far-reaching benefits for local communities, and when combined with well researched and community led initiatives, create positive outcomes even beyond those initially envisioned in the project's design.
Alongside other community development interventions, the TWPC and Ecotech projects have funded the installation of over 33 km of solar lights in Tra Vinh Province.
