[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Kalkeri Sangeet Vidyalaya (KSV), the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize winner in the Global High School category for Asia, has partnered with 2014 SME finalist, SELCO India to implement its award-winning sustainability project.

The winners and finalists of the Prize were recognised during the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony that took place on January 20, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

KSV, a school specializing in meeting the needs of disadvantaged children in the southern state of Karnataka, was granted US$100,000 at the 2014 Zayed Future Energy Prize award ceremony for its student-led project to become self-sustainable using energy efficiency, solar technology and bio-gas energy.

The school has partnered with SELCO India, a for-profit social enterprise that uses renewable energy for alleviating poverty, to build a solar powered ‘green amphitheatre’ as a means to enhance its music and dance-focused curriculum. SELCO will also install a solar powered mini-grid to power the school’s classrooms and hostel facilities. In addition, KSV has commissioned SELCO to undertake an energy audit prior to the solar installations, with a second energy audit planned post-installation to compare savings.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Director General of the Zayed Future Energy Prize said, “This is a powerful example of the impact of the Prize and of the convening power of ADSW. The partnership between KSV and SELCO is a true demonstration of how ADSW has fast become a center of gravity, bringing individuals and institutions committed to sustainability together for a greater cause. This project will transform the lives of KSV’s students and the wider community by providing much-needed access to energy and water. This success of this project honours and underscores the legacy of the Prize’s namesake, the UAE’s founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”

“Winning the Zayed Future Energy Prize has given us the funding we so urgently need to meet KSV’s energy requirements and provide our students with quality education facilities,” said Mr Naveen Jha, president of the managing committee of KSV. “We are delighted to partner with SELCO, a trusted name in solar energy solutions, to bring this venture to life. This project will instruct and inspire our students towards a more sustainable way of life - the students of today will be the inventors of new green technologies tomorrow.”

Speaking about the project, SELCO’s founder Harish Hande said: “KSV’s mission of using renewable energy to empower economically deprived students matches closely with SELCO’s own philosophy of driving energy access in underprivileged societies to enhance livelihoods and improve the quality of life. We are excited to join hands with KSV and the Zayed Future Energy Prize to make this project a reality.”