Sustainable Energy Access for Haiti (SEAH)

Group Profile:

Inspired by Engineers Without Borders, the Sustainable Energy Access for Haiti project (SEAH) was formed in August 2009 as an on-campus affiliate of RESPE: Ayiti. SEAH is a Tufts project-driven organization with a focus on facilitating a sustainable energy project in Haiti. The group brings together engineers, liberal arts students, Haitian community
members, professors and professionals to work towards best meeting the electrification needs of Balan, Haiti. As a rural energy facilitator, SEAH is in the process of assessing the energy needs of the community and working on the design of an appropriate energy solution. SEAH plans to aggregate funding, secure working parts, provide logistical support and ultimately organize and implement the project's construction. In addition to supporting a community's development goals, the organization provides a learning experience for Tufts students and creates awareness about energy access in the developing world.

Project Leaders:

Mike Graifman - School of A&S  2012

Allison Fechter - Engineering School 2011

Maren Frisell - Engineering School 2012

Lauren Klinker - Engineering School 2012

Current Status:

In November 2009, SEAH secured a donation of twelve 175 watt solar panels from BP Solar. SEAH is in the process of determining how the panels will best be used for the community's electrification needs and is considering the community's priorities and options. These currently include lighting classrooms at night, supporting local enterprise initiatives,  powering a future health clinic, and more. SEAH aims to work with Balan to make sure the ultimate project design provides maximum benefit and is sustainable for years to come.

For more information, check out their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sustainable-Energy-Access-for-Haiti/275775454115