Office of Public Information
United Methodist Communications
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2024
Solar-Powered Disaster Response Trailer Visits Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina – Steps from Uptown, Charlotteans and city visitors are invited to see a state-of-the-art solar-powered disaster response trailer that combines environmental sustainability with the disaster ministry of The United Methodist Church. An educational display of this technology will be on view at the Charlotte Convention Center’s “Layby area” on S. College Street by the main entrance between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on April 30 and May 1. Members of the media are invited to view the trailer’s capabilities from noon to 1:30 p.m. on April 30. The trailer is in the area as part of the postponed 2020 General Conference event now being hosted at the convention center, a venue recently awarded for its energy and environmental design.
As climate change exacerbates more frequent and extreme heat waves, hurricanes, and other climate disasters, fossil fuels are still the go-to source of backup power during emergencies. Solar microgrid trailers, which provide clean power, are easily towed to where they are needed most during an emergency—to power cell phones, Wi-Fi, refrigeration, lighting, medical devices and other critical services.
"In times of disaster, gaining access to a source of power is one of the most essential yet challenging parts of response and recovery,” shared Roland Fernandes, chief executive for Global Ministries (GBGM) and United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). "This trailer is a transportable eco-friendly energy source that provides vital emergency power without the environmental damage caused by traditional fossil fuels."
Visitors to the trailer on view at the convention center can expect to learn about the practical applications of solar energy in disaster response scenarios. Device charging stations and complimentary coffee, brewed using solar energy, will be also available to visitors. The coffee is courtesy of Deep Time Coffee, a Fresh Expression ministry in the Western North Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church, that uses coffee to help employ, celebrate and create a spiritual community with people impacted by incarceration.
“We never dreamed we'd have this sort of asset available for our disaster relief efforts. It's truly a powerhouse that makes us more versatile, and more useful in disaster response ministries,” said Reverend Scott Parrish, Mission and Disaster Response Specialist. “It's the power of partnerships that makes this incredible mobile power grid available to serve our communities after a disaster.”
A coalition of Southeastern U.S.-based partners unveiled the solar microgrid trailer in late 2023, marking a milestone in disaster response technology in the region. Partnering organizations include The United Methodist Committee on Relief and North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Footprint Project, Cherry Street Energy and the Ray C. Anderson Foundation.
The solar microgrid trailer is a tangible example of The United Methodist Church’s commitment to creation care and environmental stewardship. This practical implementation of solar energy in disaster response efforts, is just one way that the general agencies of The United Methodist Church are leaning into their pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 across ministries, facilities, operations and investments. Each agency is using its expertise in partnership with the others while ensuring equity and justice as they build a net-zero emission economy.
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About The United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church is a worldwide connection of close to 10 million members in over 100 countries including Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. United Methodists are people of God who share a common mission and values. The church and its members are called to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We reach out to a hurting world through a dedicated focus on mission and ministry. Our tagline "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." embraces who we are and how we seek to put our faith into action. Learn more at UMC.org.
About the United Methodist Committee on Relief
As the humanitarian relief and development arm of The United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Committee on Relief – UMCOR – assists United Methodists and churches to become involved globally in direct ministry to persons in need. UMCOR comes alongside those who suffer from natural or human-caused disasters – famine, hurricane, war, flood, fire or other events—to alleviate suffering and serve as a source of help and hope for the vulnerable.
About the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church
Comprised of more than 400 churches, 1,000 clergy members, and approximately 220,000 lay members, the North Georgia Conference of The United Methodist Church is committed to serving our neighbors through commitments to health and wellbeing, community engagement, racial justice and healing – all of which are addressed by innovative efforts like the solar trailer.
About the Ray C. Anderson Foundation
The Ray C. Anderson Foundation is a Georgia-based, private family foundation that seeks to promote a sustainable society by supporting and funding educational and project-based initiatives that advance knowledge and innovation in sustainability.
About Cherry Street Energy
Cherry Street builds, owns and operates next generation, high-performance energy infrastructure powering cities, businesses, and institutions with reliable, renewable energy. The Company’s easy-to-adopt platform allows large-scale customers to achieve the benefits of solar energy without the cost or complexity. Cherry Street sells power directly to the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, Emory University, and leading businesses across Georgia and is expanding across the Southeast.
About Footprint Project
Footprint Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide cleaner energy for communities in crisis. They accomplish this by deploying mobile solar systems to support disaster relief and recovery operations, building resilience with communities that are disproportionately affected by climate disasters, and upcycling renewable energy components to keep them out of landfills.
Media Contact:
Angelika Woods
Sr. Public Relations Specialist
615.742.5103
awoods@umcom.org
