Harnessing the Power of the Sun: How a New Orleans-Based Nonprofit is Disrupting Disaster Relief with Renewable Energy
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on western North Carolina, the signs of relief efforts were everywhere – from caravans of trucks carrying essential supplies to roadside signs advertising free food and water. But amidst the chaos, one thing stood out: the ubiquitous presence of noisy, polluting generators powering critical infrastructure and services.
However, a New Orleans-based nonprofit, the Footprint Project, is working to displace these fossil fuel-powered generators with a clean energy alternative – solar-powered microgrids. This innovative approach is not only reducing the environmental impact of disaster relief efforts but also providing a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for communities in need.
Addressing the Shortcomings of Diesel and Gas Generators
The rationale for using diesel and gas generators in disaster relief efforts is understandable. They are widely available, relatively easy to operate, and can run 24/7, keeping people warm, fed, and connected to their loved ones when the electric grid is down. Undoubtedly, they save lives in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
However, these generators come with significant drawbacks. The burning of fossil fuels not only contributes to the climate crisis but also releases harmful air pollutants that can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems. In Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, the prevalence of generators led to a surge in air pollution that exceeded safe legal limits.
Additionally, generators are not always a practical solution. They are expensive, with retail prices often exceeding $1,000, and when fuel supplies run out, it can be challenging and costly to find more. The machines are also notoriously noisy, potentially harming the health and well-being of aid workers and the people they serve.
The Footprint Project’s Sustainable Approach
It was these challenges that inspired the Footprint Project to explore a clean energy alternative. The nonprofit’s operations director, Will Heegaard, had firsthand experience with the difficulties of using generators in disaster relief efforts while responding to an Ebola outbreak in Guinea in 2016.
“Responders use what they know works, and our job is to get them stuff that works better than single-use fossil fuels do,” Heegaard said. “And then, they can start asking for that. It trickles up to a systems change.”
The Footprint Project’s solution is to deploy solar-powered microgrids in disaster-stricken communities. These systems, which include solar panels, batteries, and other renewable energy technologies, can provide reliable power without the noise, emissions, and fuel constraints of traditional generators.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Footprint Project has built nearly 50 of these solar-powered microgrids across western North Carolina, serving a diverse range of recipients, from volunteer fire stations to trailer parks and even an art collective in West Asheville.
“If we can get this sustainable tech in fast, then when the real rebuild happens, there’s a whole new conversation that wouldn’t have happened if we were just doing the same thing that we did every time,” Heegaard explained.
Partnering for a Larger Impact
The Footprint Project’s success in deploying its solar-powered solutions is due in part to its collaborative approach. The organization partners with local solar companies, nonprofits, and other community groups to gather supplies, coordinate logistics, and distribute the technology to those in need.
One such partnership is with Greentech Renewables Raleigh, a company that has been soliciting and storing solar panels and other equipment to be transported to the affected region. The company’s manager, Shasten Jolley, explained that they have “bodies, trucks, and relationships” to help mobilize the relief effort.
Additionally, the Footprint Project has worked closely with government organizations and local leaders to identify the communities that would benefit most from their sustainable technology. This grassroots approach has allowed the nonprofit to tailor its solutions to the specific needs of each location, ensuring maximum impact.
Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead
While the Footprint Project’s efforts have been largely successful, they have faced some logistical challenges along the way. For instance, some of the donated solar panels were found to be non-functional, requiring the team to troubleshoot and replace them.
Moreover, the scale of the Footprint Project’s response has been limited by its small size, with just seven full-time staff. As climate-fueled disasters continue to increase in frequency and intensity, the organization hopes to inspire larger relief groups to adopt their sustainable approach.
“The dream is to create ‘lending libraries’ in places like Asheville, to be cycled in and out of community events and disaster relief,” Heegaard said. “Then that equipment is here, it’s being utilized, and it’s available for the next response, whether it’s in Knoxville or Atlanta or South Carolina.”
As the recovery efforts in western North Carolina continue, the Footprint Project’s work serves as a powerful example of how renewable energy can be leveraged to provide a more resilient and environmentally-friendly solution to disaster relief. By disrupting the traditional reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators, the nonprofit is paving the way for a new era of sustainable disaster response.
Conclusion: Pioneering a Clean Energy Future for Disaster Relief
The Footprint Project’s efforts in western North Carolina have not only provided immediate relief to communities in need but also laid the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient approach to disaster response. By swapping out noisy, polluting generators for solar-powered microgrids, the nonprofit is demonstrating the practical and environmental benefits of harnessing renewable energy in times of crisis.
As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, the Footprint Project’s model offers a compelling blueprint for how disaster relief can be reimagined to prioritize sustainability and community empowerment. By partnering with local organizations and leveraging the power of the sun, the nonprofit is not only addressing the immediate needs of those affected by natural disasters but also catalyzing a broader shift towards a cleaner, more resilient future.
For IT Fix, the Footprint Project’s story serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of technology and innovation in the face of environmental and humanitarian challenges. As IT professionals, we have a responsibility to stay informed about the latest advancements in sustainable energy solutions and to support initiatives that are paving the way for a more equitable and climate-conscious world.
