At a time when there were already wind turbines and solar panels in use in western part of Europe, these technologies were still seen as an impractical experiment in some Central and Eastern European countries. This situation, combined with the knowledge that fossil fuels were running short and climate change is a growing issue, was the reason for the formation of the Centre for Application of Renewable Energy by the Church related citizen's organization Orthodox Academy Vilemov.

According to the director of the Orthodox Academy Vilemov Roman Juriga: "Churches and Christians should be able to work co-operatively and to be prepared to put their wisdom into practice. They can also set up an example for the society."

The Centre has provides consultancy and education, and implemented several practical demonstration projects. The Centre itself is formed by the two solar thermal systems, two photovoltaic systems, St Elias Wind Turbine, wood pellets heating and the water power plant of the Holy Apostles.

The Centre is able monitor the power production of its technologies, which is a useful tool for education of participants of environmental programmes. Very important is the programme Energy for the Third millennium which concentrates on students of secondary schools. The Centre for Aplication of Renewable Energy recently implemented an ecumenical Churche??s Solar Roofs Project which resulted in building of 25 solar thermal systems for various Churches and charity institutions in the Czech republic.

The Orthodox Academy in Vilemov seeks support for its existing and new environmental projects for education and installation of solar systems for charity institutions all over the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Contact orthodoxa@quick.cz

Visit the website at www.orthodoxa.cz.

Christ said, who is my neighbour; and how we live, and what kind of energy we use, has an impact on people at the other end of the planet.