GIZ/INTEGRATION among the international winners of Ashden Awards 2012

Gräfenberg, 31 May 2012
GIZ/INTEGRATION won its award for rural electrification. On receiving the award, David Hancock of GIZ, said: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. Financed by the German Government, the programme has demonstrated that a reliable electricity supply can make a real difference to communities, organisations and small businesses, particularly in Afghanistan's remote, mountainous provinces."

Oliver J. Haas of INTEGRATION added: "Working with local communities means that our activities are sustainable and benefit future generations. Tapping into renewable energy for economic development also enhances local governance mechanisms and contributes to stability." (Photo: HRH The Prince of Wales with David Hancock of GIZ and Oliver Haas of INTEGRATION, Afghanistan)

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Afghanistan micro-hydro programme wins global green award

30 May 2012 – London
A micro-hydro programme bringing reliable, renewable electricity for the first time to remote parts of North East Afghanistan has won a coveted Ashden Award. GIZ and consulting engineers INTEGRATION were jointly awarded some £20,000 in prize money at a prestigious ceremony in London this evening, after joining other Award winners at a meeting with His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales at Clarence House.

The judges said: "This is an astounding example of how harvesting natural sources of energy can bring new sources of income, hope and opportunity in a troubled region. And by working alongside each other, different communities in North East Afghanistan are coming together with a common interest, helping reduce mistrust and conflict.

On receiving the award, David Hancock of GIZ, said: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award. Financed by the German Government, the programme has demonstrated that a reliable electricity supply can make a real difference to communities, organisations and small businesses, particularly in Afghanistan's remote, mountainous provinces."

Oliver J. Haas of INTEGRATION added: "Working with local communities means that our activities are sustainable and benefit future generations. Tapping into renewable energy for economic development also enhances local governance mechanisms and contributes to stability."

The Award was presented by Dr. Kandeh Yumkella, Director General of UNIDO and Chair of UN-Energy, who in his keynote speech urged governments around the world to use the opportunity of Rio+20 in June to increase their support for clean energy pioneers like GIZ/INTEGRATION.

Said Dr. Yumkella: "The decisions that will be taken at Rio in June will carry consequences for generations to come. Governments around the world must act urgently to agree the right policies and investment incentives that nurture these and other sustainable energy champions, before it's too late."

With funding from the German government (some US$6 million in 2011), GIZ and INTEGRATION have worked with the Afghan Government to install six micro hydro plants in Badakhshan. With a total installed capacity of 1.3MW, they are providing 24-hour electricity for the first time to 63,000 people, 110 public organisations and 645 small enterprises. (Photo: Dr Kande Yumkella, David Hancock of GIZ and Oliver Haas of INTEGRATION)

Detailed information, a film and photos: http://www.ashden.org/winners/giz-integration12

Contact person at INTEGRATION: Monika Brunner, corporate communications
E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
T: +49 9192 99 59 25

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Photos: © Andrew Aitchison / Ashden Awards

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