Driven by desperation: Yemenis resort to dangerous energy alternatives | News
Explosion in Taiz Raises Concerns Over Solar Batteries and Vehicle Modifications
Taiz, Yemen — Early last week, residents in Taiz were jolted awake around 5 a.m. when a powerful explosion erupted in the Beer Basha neighborhood, engulfing Najib Abdullah’s home in flames. Neighbors quickly mobilized to assist, managing to rescue occupants who sustained serious burns. Those injured were transported to Al-Thawra General Hospital Authority, which houses the city’s primary emergency unit for burns and plastic surgery.
The explosion was attributed to a lithium battery connected to the home’s solar power system, a common energy solution in the region. Dr. Mohammed Saeed, head of the emergency department at Al-Thawra Hospital, reported that a mother and two of her children died from their injuries. The father remains in intensive care, while a third child has been discharged.
Dr. Saeed noted that such incidents are not isolated, as his unit frequently treats victims of battery-related explosions, which can leave individuals severely disfigured or worse. “We don’t know the exact technical reasons behind these solar energy fires, but the center regularly sees patients from Taiz city and neighboring areas suffering from battery fire burns,” he explained.
In Taiz and similar governorates, where the public electricity grid is nonfunctional, residents primarily rely on solar energy systems or costly generators. However, some families risk safety by attempting DIY installations without professional assistance.
In the first half of this year, Al-Thawra’s burns unit reported 2,729 cases, including 13 fatalities, predominantly due to exploding solar batteries, vehicle conversions to cooking gas, and domestic gas leaks.
Lower Cost, Higher Risk
In a hospital room nearby, 40-year-old Ammar Saleh recovers from a fire incident. He modified his car to use cooking gas, motivated by rising petrol prices. A liter of petrol costs 1,500 Yemeni Riyals (approximately $0.95), while cooking gas is available for about 500 Riyals ($0.30). This cost differential has led many drivers, especially those operating buses, to adapt their vehicles, often resulting in dangerous conditions.
Saleh’s brother, Mohammed, expressed concern, stating that many drivers do not recognize the potential risks involved. Last week, a fire engulfed Saleh’s vehicle when a bystander accidentally ignited a lighter while he was refueling with cooking gas. The flames seriously injured his son, who was subsequently treated at Al-Thawra Hospital after initial care at a nearby clinic.
Increase in Fire Incidents
Yemeni authorities have responded to the rise in vehicle fires by holding public workshops aimed at educating the public about the dangers of unregulated vehicle modifications. Despite these efforts, a clandestine market persists, with mechanics covertly altering vehicle engines.
Malik Al-Sabri, planning and information manager for Taiz police, reported that battery-related accidents are a leading cause of house fires, accounting for 30 to 40 percent of total incidents. Improper conversions of vehicles and inadequate refueling procedures are significant concerns.
“The number of fire incidents has surged due to these alternative energy hazards,” Al-Sabri said. “In response, the Civil Defence division of the Taiz police has enacted a ban on unauthorized modifications, enforcing strict safety standards.”
Common Installation Mistakes
Electrical engineer Dawood Abdullah emphasized that solar energy can be a safe and efficient solution for Yemeni households, provided it is installed correctly. “While solar energy itself is not inherently dangerous, improper installations by unqualified individuals lead to mistakes that can result in fires,” he said. He advocated for professional installations and careful battery placement away from living areas.
Ramez Nabil, a media officer for the Yemeni Green Media Center, echoed this sentiment, noting that public awareness is crucial for safe solar power use. He stated, “The current economic situation has compelled people to use substandard materials and unqualified installers, highlighting the urgent need for awareness campaigns.”
As the reliance on alternative energy sources continues to grow amidst challenges, experts stress the importance of safety and informed usage to prevent tragedies in the future.
