Sept. 25 – Cleaning the roof of the world seems a mission impossible, or possible only in a fairy tale. But it is reality, and it’s the goal of “Top Recycling Mission,” which aims to replace the batteries and solar modules that power the International Laboratory – Observatory Pyramid of the Ev -K2- CNR, wanted by prof. Ardito Desio and installed at 5,050 meters on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. The mission, sponsored by COBAT, the national consortium for collection and recycling, and by the Ev -K2- CNR, will kick off on September 27 from Kathmandu under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment. “In the space of 18 days – according to a note – 120 new photovoltaic modules developed on 66 square meters, which will provide 9 kW of clean energy to the Pyramid and the entire base camp, will be transported and installed. After reaching Kathmandu, the mission team will follow the trails and clay rocks, the only way to reach the Pyramid. Materials include Vipiemme Solar photovoltaic modules and Fiamm accumulators. These will be on a plane from Kathmandu to Lukla at 2,860 feet, from there they will be transported by over 100 Sherpas and as many yaks to the Pyramid.” The current modules and batteries will be replaced, although they are still functional, by more technologically advanced models, and donated to two cooperatives in the Khumbu Valley. In this manner a “Community Solar Station” will provide electricity to the inhabitants of the country. As early as 2002, COBAT reached the laboratory to recover more than 3,500 kg of lead batteries: eleven years later, Agostino Da Polenza , president of the EV -K2- CNR, proposed a new partnership providing not only for the replacement of the batteries, but also for the installation of photovoltaic panels.” We have welcomed the new challenge – says the president of COBAT, Giancarlo Morandi – with the aim of contributing to environmental protection of this natural paradise, a symbol of a perfect ecosystem. The virtuous cycle of waste management and territory protection represents two of the key elements of the Consortium and its network. COBAT aims to help everyone in their quest for sustainability.”
