Grenada has launched a new project aimed at providing green energy to rural areas.

The Renewable Energy for Rural Development Project is being funded through a grant of $170,000 in the form of bilateral assistance from South Korea’s government.

The grant was provided in two tranches: $100,000 first received in 2014 and $70,000 received last year.

The pilot project is intended to “improve the livelihood and quality of life of vulnerable persons and enterprises in rural communities through the use of renewable and energy efficient systems,” according to a government statement.

The government said the project was expected to contribute to reducing energy costs and carbon footprints through the use of low-emission systems.

To begin, beneficiaries include 12 single-parent households in rural communities, along with 12 vulnerable elderly persons along with four small agro-processors in rural communities will receive off-the-grid and grid-tied solar photovoltaic energy generating and storage systems.

There are a total of 28 solar systems to be installed and commissioned.