Thanks to the support of the John Cockerill Foundation, a medical dispensary and a home for the elderly and disadvantaged in South Korea now benefit from an autonomous and sustainable energy supply system. This project has been designed to reduce the energy dependence of these facilities on the grid and makes a major contribution to their day-to-day activities.
A high-impact project
These photovoltaic installations will significantly reduce electricity costs, freeing up financial resources for the dispensary and the residence. By improving the energy self-sufficiency of these facilities, the teams on site can concentrate on their primary mission: caring for and supporting the most vulnerable. What’s more, these facilities play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of infrastructure, which is fully in line with Korea’s Net-Zero Challenge X strategy.
Expertise and collaboration
To successfully complete this project, the Foundation was able to count on the expertise of JooKwang LEE, a colleague at John Cockerill Hamon Korea, who played a key role in the technical acceptance of the installations. His involvement, along with that of Guillaume Simonis, project manager, ensured the compliance and efficiency of the new equipment. Their commitment reflects the spirit of collaboration and dedication that drives the John Cockerill Group, which is determined to contribute to decarbonising the planet.
Marie-Hélène Brasseur, a decisive encounter
This initiative was also made possible thanks to the collaboration with Marie-Hélène Brasseur, a key figure in medical aid in South Korea. Originally from Charleroi, Marie-Hélène Brasseur moved to Seoul 50 years ago, right in the heart of the slums. Trained as a nurse, she responded to a call from the International Fraternal Association to help the underprivileged. Faced with a shortage of doctors, she decided to continue her studies in South Korea and obtained her medical degree in the language of her host country.
A long-standing commitment
Over the years, Marie-Hélène Brasseur has founded a hospital and a palliative care centre, becoming a major player in supporting the most vulnerable. Her commitment and expertise were essential in identifying the needs and ensuring the implementation of the solar panel project supported by the Foundation. Thanks to this collaboration, technological innovation and solidarity come together to offer concrete solutions and a more resilient future to the beneficiaries of these structures.
Support and partnership
This project would not have been possible without the invaluable support of the Belgian Embassy in Seoul and the relevant Korean authorities. This public-private partnership illustrates the John Cockerill Foundation’s desire to contribute to concrete, sustainable solutions for local communities.
These new photovoltaic installations represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and autonomous future for the dispensary and the residence, while underlining the importance of international cooperation and community involvement.
