Journal
Darcy Gray, CEO of project sponsor TOM BIHN Inc, interviews project developers Raphaela Hsu-Flanders of Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Marissa Johnson of Twende Solar to learn about their organizations and goals for the Quinault Indian Nation project.
Portland, Ore. - The Quinault Indian Nation is partnering with nonprofit Twende Solar, Bonneville Environmental Foundation, and iconic Pacific Northwest Companies to advance the first solar project located on their reservation in Queets, Washington.
“The Tribe’s vision has brought together a remarkable set of partners to help bring resilience and locally-generated energy to Queets” said Raphaela Hsu-Flanders, Renewables Program Manager for Bonneville Environmental Foundation “We hope that this initial foray into solar will help open the door for many more projects that provide low-cost, clean energy resources for the Tribe.” As a community heavily impacted by climate change with concerns about rising sea levels and struggling salmon populations, transitioning from an extractive fossil fuel-dependent economy to a renewable energy future is a priority for the Quinault. Incorporating workforce training and renewable energy curriculum development into this project helps set the stage for future installations.
Queets Community Center Solar Mockup
With solar plus batteries, the Community Center will have backup power during the semi-frequent outages in this remote community. “When the storm hit in 2007, it was one of the worst things I have gone through in Queets. The Nation had to bring in lights and generators to the Community Center. It’ll be great to charge phones for communication and to have light to cook in case of extended outages,” says Sue Kalama, Human Resources Administrative Assistant with the Nation.
Every Twende Solar project brings people together to create a more equitable and just world. In that spirit, companies like Seattle-based TOM BIHN Inc. are generously sponsoring the project along with Bonneville Environmental Foundation, Eaton, Elemental Energy, KEEN, Pacific Botanicals, Panasonic, Platt Electric, Solar Games, SMA, and UNIRAC.
This volunteer-led installation is scheduled for late February and there are opportunities for photos, video and interviews. Please contact Marissa Johnson at 503 922 2863 or marissa@twendesolar.org.
Twende Solar, a Portland-based nonprofit championed by solar industry professionals, bridges the gap between renewable energy experts and under-resourced communities worldwide. Attracting the best of the photovoltaic industry, Twende Solar leverages volunteer expertise, relationships, and philanthropic spirit to install high-quality solar PV systems for partner organizations. More information at twendesolar.org.
Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is a Pacific Northwest nonprofit working at the intersection of renewable energy, water and climate solutions. BEF’s Renewables team works to create clean energy solutions that provide direct benefits to tribes, communities, and utilities.
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