To support Kentuckians in need, BayWa r.e., a leading renewable energy developer, services and systems provider announces a $20,000 donation to address the ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastating tornado outbreak.
This includes a $10,000 contribution to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, established by Governor Beshear, and a $10,000 contribution to the Footprint Project, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit organization that is deploying disaster-response power generation solutions in the area.
“We are devastated by the hardship endured by so many Kentuckians in the wake of the recent deadly tornados. As part of our development efforts in the state, we’ve been welcomed by the community and today we want to give back by supporting the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund,” said Clay Canning, Sr. Development Manager, East at BayWa r.e. Solar Projects LLC. “We respect Governor Beshear’s commitment to quickly bring relief to those communities hardest hit by the tornado outbreak so that residents can start the rebuilding process.”
The Footprint Project is activating their Solar Energy Rapid Response Team (SERRT) to provide clean energy to support Kentucky's recovery by deploying an initial cache of two solar trailers, two palletized microgrids, five solar generators and six portable power stations. The organization is also working with suppliers to prepare surge mobilizations of equipment for field response partners. The Footprint Project is coordinating with the Kentucky Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation, as well as private and non-profit response partners to assess where sustainable power is most needed and effective in the communities.
“Day to day we are honored to work in Kentucky to increase the use of solar energy, following this extreme weather event, we understand providing Kentuckians with backup power is a top priority for their wellbeing,” said Jodi White, co-CEO of BayWa r.e. Solar Systems LLC. “By providing communities with access to clean energy sources during these trying times, we are demonstrating how renewables are a solution, not just to everyday needs, but to natural disasters, made more severe by climate change. We encourage others to add their support toward these relief activities as energy supply will continue to be critical.”
If you would like to donate to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund please visit their website: TeamWKYReliefFund.ky.gov. To support Footprint’s Solar Energy Rapid Response Team, consider donating directly on their website: www.footprintproject.org.
