Success Stories

January 2019 Field Trip

In February 2018 the preparations had begun for the first Lotus Project field trip to North East Vietnam. Throughout the year, the initial steps in the form of a feasibility study, province identification and selection, initial outreach, target village selection and a preliminary scope of work were completed beforehand to increase the productivity during the fieldwork.

In January 2019 the Lotus Team traveled to Lang Son Province, Vietnam, to undertake site visits for its renewable energy projects.

The purpose of the trip was to assess the aptness of sites for project development and execution during the season of planned project implementation and construction.

The Lotus Team identified two target villages to be carried forward to the next stage of the project development process. First, the Trip Report describes the journey to the villages followed by a summary of their geographical location, properties and a survey of the inhabitants of the villages. Secondly, the findings are presented and summarized. Finally, the report summarizes the relevant information and provides an outlook for the next phase of project development in the form of a conclusion.

In its Phase I of the RDM, the Lotus Team ventured into Lang Son Province, pinpointing the secluded district of Chi Lang for their rural development mission to achieve self-sustained growth. However, the unexpected emergence and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen challenges, significantly affecting the project timelines and implementation.

Journey to Chi Lang:

Tucked away within dense forests, Chi Lang's natural allure is counteracted by its challenging access - a daunting four-hour hike on rugged unpaved roads. In this isolated setting, eight households had long depended solely on sunlight and wood for their basic necessities, deprived of electricity.

Project Challenge, Financing, and Pandemic Delays:

Electrifying Chi Lang is not a task for the faint-hearted, with initial estimates highlighting a requirement of 4.5 to 5 billion VND. The task's magnitude was further amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing logistical, financial, and safety-related delays. But amidst these challenges, hope flickered. The Lotus Project, with the support of GreenIN, the People's Committee of Chi Lang District, and Huu Kien Commune, remained steadfast, seeking solutions to navigate through the pandemic's constraints.

Impact, Conclusion, and the Triumph over Adversity:

April 2023 marked a significant stride for the Lotus Project. Despite the global crisis, the team successfully brought light to the once-dark homes of Chi Lang. The 220W-capacity systems revolutionized the lives of the locals - from lighting their homes and charging phones to entertainment and ventilation. Amidst the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lotus Project emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and transformation for the community of Chi Lang.

Field Survey, Partnerships, and COVID-19 Adjustments:

Come January 2023, with strict health and safety protocols in place, the team revisited Chi Lang, keen on capturing a detailed understanding of the local living conditions. Given the COVID-19 induced complexities, the choice of an adept partner became even more crucial. Vu Phong Solar, renowned in Vietnam for crafting solar solutions for distant communities, was a beacon. Their commitment was evident not just in their expertise but also in their willingness to absorb part of the setup expenses during such tumultuous times.

Installation, Challenges, and Pandemic Resilience:

By February 2023, pilot solar home systems started their journey to light up the district. But like many projects during the pandemic era, challenges arose. During testing, issues cropped up in three systems, necessitating swift modifications. Vu Phong Solar, undeterred by the setbacks and armed with pandemic-induced adaptability, ensured the issues were addressed promptly. Post-installation, they armed the community with comprehensive guidance on harnessing the solar systems.