Officials from Kabul University and the U.S. Government inaugurated the Kabul University
USAID/ACEP
U.S. Deputy Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne (left) joins the dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor Hamidullah Amin, the Chancellor of Kabul University (right) in cutting a ribbon to formally open the Kabul University Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Renewable Energy Laboratory (KURE Lab) today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the facility. The KURE Lab is intended to serve as a multipurpose facility for renewable energy education, research, component testing, and evaluation for engineers. USAID established the KURE Lab through its Afghanistan Clean Energy Program (ACEP) in collaboration with Kabul University. The lab is part of the Faculty of Engineering.
“The U.S. Government, through USAID, is dedicated to bringing Afghanistan the benefits of clean, renewable energy generated by the sun, water, and wind. The laboratory will ensure the self-sustainability of renewable energy projects implemented throughout Afghanistan,” said Deputy Ambassador E. Anthony Wayne at the opening ceremony.
Now that the refurbishment is completed, the KURE Lab is becoming the focus of an even broader range of activities designed to promote self-sufficiency in renewable energy projects in Afghanistan. Training on solar streetlights and solar home systems has been provided to the private-sector and non-governmental organizations. The Ministry of Rehabilitation and Rural Development has been able to verify the quality of photovoltaic modules by bringing them to the lab for testing.
“Renewable energy is important for development of a country. Afghanistan has many resources of renewable energy and I appreciate the assistance of American people for establishing this laboratory at the engineering faculty of Kabul University,” noted Professor Hamidullah Amin, the Chancellor of Kabul University.
Some KURE Lab activities are associated with the goal of getting women more involved in energy issues. At the end of February, the lab was the venue for a workshop called “Management and Leadership in Energy Projects for Women.” This was in support of the Afghan Women in Energy Association, an organization for women working in energy-related fields.
The Government of Afghanistan, Kabul University, and USAID foresee the KURE Lab continuing to develop as a major center for supporting renewable energy activities in Afghanistan.
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2011.05.04 Press Release KURE Lab Opening English
2011.05.04 Press Release KURE Lab Opening Dari