Cate Blanchett supports SolarAid, the charity of the Hay Festival

SolarAid, the UK’s first solar energy charity for the developing world, is the charity of choice for the Hay Festival from 24 May to 4 June 2007, where a special appeal by SolarAid patron Cate Blanchett will be screened.

SolarAid was set up to fight the two most important threats facing the world today: global poverty and climate change. The charity trains rural communities in Africa to build small solar devices, such as solar radios, solar lanterns or solar mobile phones. It then helps them set up small solar businesses so that they can sell their solar products and earn much-needed income to care for their families.

A solar lantern, for instance, can be made for $5, sell for around $15 and replace the unhealthy and carbon-intensive kerosene lamps that many Africans use - hence alleviating poverty and reducing emissions of carbon dioxide, a major global warming gas.

The charity is proud to confirm its patron as Academy Award winning actress Cate Blanchett, who this month has been named for the 2nd time in Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most Influential People in the World. Cate has been a supporter for alternative energies and the environment for many years and has filmed a special appeal for SolarAid to be screened at the Hay Festival this year.

Cate said: “I am thrilled to be the patron of SolarAid. It’s an excellent grassroots charity that does extremely worthwhile and specific work in Africa. I’m particularly excited about SolarAid projects that train young people affected by HIV/AIDS to start their own solar businesses, which is a very sustainable and promising way of helping them climb out of poverty.”

Jeremy Leggett, Chairman of SolarAid, said: “Our vision is a world where everyone has affordable, clean, renewable power. We believe that this is crucial for sustainable development that builds communities while protecting the environment and fighting climate change. If developing countries start using renewable energy now, they can grow in a sustainable way that protects their people and the environment.”

SolarAid also provides solar energy for schools, hospitals and medical centres. In Malawi, the charity installed a solar system on a centre for young people affected by HIV/AIDS. It’s the only building with electricity for miles around and now provides evening classes and community events. Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony and the American ambassador to Malawi congratulated SolarAid on doing such a good job.

Solar energy is one of the most effective means of preventing climate change. It is a tried and tested technology and a cost-effective form of energy for many developing countries. SolarAid has the support of solarcentury, the UK’s top solar energy company headed by Dr Leggett and which has pledged five percent of its net profit to the new charity. Many staff from solarcentury and other renewable energy companies volunteer for SolarAid.

Christian Aid also supports SolarAid and is funding a micro solar project in Malawi. SolarAid seeks to become the charity of choice for the solar sector and the leading international agency on renewable energy for development.

Funds raised at the Hay Festival will go towards expanding the micro solar project in Malawi, training hundreds of people to build and sell their own solar products. To find out about the Hay Festival, go to: http://www.hayfestival.com/wales