Rainbow Power Company donates solar oven to Timor-Leste

Nimbin’s Rainbow Power Company has donated a solar oven to Timor-Leste as a Christmas gift.

The oven was handed to former Page MP Janelle Saffin, who has been a long-term supporter of Timor-Leste.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Timorese people to have a modern oven, that only relies on the sun to power it,” Ms Saffin said.

“The Rainbow Power Company has been in operation since 1987 and is a major local success story.

‘Like many from our wonderfully creative region, the Rainbow Power Company was way ahead of the times. Combining sustainable practices and products with sustainable business principles is what our small and medium business sector excels at.’

She said company had been promoting the use of appropriate technology throughout the pacific region for over 30 years.

‘Solar cookers provide a cost effective supplement to traditional wood fired cooking,’ she said.

‘In addition, micro solar kits allow cost effective roll out of solar lighting and mobile phone charging and can make a large impact on peoples quality of life at very low cost.’

‘RPC were pleased to be able to give this Sun Flair Solar Oven as an example of these types of appropriate technologies.

Martin Hardie, an academic and long-time supporter of Timor-Leste,  approached the Rainbow Power Company and asked them if they could consider donating a solar oven that he wants to introduce to locals.

Mr Hardie has worked on energy policy and a draft law with the former Secretary of State for Energy, Mr. Avelino Coelho, who sees a need and application for this other source of
cooking.

‘If it takes off, he would like to introduce our Rainbow Power Company into the Timor-Leste Market,’ Mr Hardie said.

Timor-Leste Ambassador to Australia H.E. Mr Abel Guterres thanked the Rainbow Power Company and said he would get the solar oven from Ms Saffin and would personally deliver it in January on his upcoming visit.