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Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

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Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

Electrifying the Himalayas with solar microgrids

Ashley Pilipiszyn
Ashley Pilipiszyn
Ashley Pilipiszyn
Ashley Pilipiszyn
1 Campaign |
Geneva, Switzerland
$500 USD 6 backers
3% of $15,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal

According to the International Energy Agency, it is estimated that there are currently 1.2 BILLION people without access to electricity - that's 16% of the global population. Yet we live in a world that is more connected and digital than ever before with the potential to make a tangible positive impact in society. My goal is to leverage these technologies to bring clean energy to communities to increase the quality of life and create a sustainable energy future.

 

As an energetic, motivated and passionate young leader, my life's purpose is to create sustainable, connected communities through energy innovation and digital technologies.  One way I am working towards this goal is through my PhD research where I am exploring technological applications to distributed energy systems such as solar microgrids. But I felt something was missing - I spent so much time reading about all the theories and studies done with these new technologies and energy innovations but I wanted to use all this knowledge to actually make a difference in someone's life

 

It was this January when I heard about the call for the inaugural MIT Internet of Things Bootcamp and Global Himalayan Expedition. It was these two programs that I felt would allow me to actually build something that could make a positive impact with. The MIT IoT Bootcamp is a one-week intense course in late May that teaches people how to apply connectivity to solve big problems with tiny computers. Upon completion of this camp, I will have taken classes from MIT faculty to learn about cutting edge technology, used sensors to collect data, and applied the data to solve real life problems. After submitting my application, interviewing with a faculty jury and passing an engineering exam, I was accepted into the program! 

 

In parallel, I applied to the 2017 Global Himalayan Expedition, which focuses on providing clean energy, digital education & wireless connectivity access to remote Himalayan communities in partnership with MIT and Harvard. By deploying solar microgrids, the Global Himalayan Expedition has electrified 25 villages and impact more than 150,000 people over the past 5 years. With their vision to provide energy, education and connectivity access to remote communities in a sustainable manner, I knew this would be an incredible opportunity that was aligned with my life's purpose. After an application and an interview, I was filled with joy in learning I was one of the 25 people selected globally to be part of this expedition!  

 

So what happens now? I first plan to attend the MIT IoT Bootcamp May 28th - June 3rd in Boston to work specifically on digital technologies that could be integrated into a solar microgrid that I will bring with me to the Himalayas. Then July 8th-23rd I would travel to Ladakh, India where I would trek through the Zanskar Valley with the Global Himalayan Expedition team to bring clean energy and education access to the Village Shade. But to make this all a reality, I first need YOUR help! 

 

I am trying to raise $15,000 by May 19th to cover my tuition fees, expedition fees and travel expenses. Here is the break-down:

  • $9,999 - Tuition for MIT IoT Bootcamp
  • $3,000 - Program fee for GHE
  • $1,000 - Plane ticket to Boston, MA
  • $1,000 - Plane ticket to Ladakh, India

 

Thank you so much in advance your kind donations and every little bit helps! Let's create a sustainable energy future together and make a positive impact on this planet! 

 

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