The Kirsilian Press

[Kirsil]

THE MYRDEN TIMES

Minister Helin touts completion of Great Solar Project

11/21/1424

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HEISHI, Sha Province — Minister of Natural Resources Helin Telei announced at a press conference held earlier today that Phase 3 of the Great Solar Project has become fully operational. The milestone marks the completion of a 16-year public-private partnership to construct nine large solar arrays in the Venshun Desert.

The Great Solar Project is projected to generate 3200 MW of electricity, which would represent 40% of Kirsil's current electricity consumption needs, according to a report released last year by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

Downplaying the solar arrays' potential environmental impacts on the Venshun Desert, Minister Helin claimed that the Great Solar Project would modernize Kirsil's energy infrastructure, lower electricity costs, and create thousands of jobs. "We have delivered an energy solution that will serve the needs of Kirsilians for generations to come," she said, as hundreds of thousands of black solar panels behind her gleamed in the sun.

Public and political support for the Great Solar Project has increased since 1411, when Conservative, Venshunist, and Green MPs dealt a blow to the Progressive minority government by voting to repeal the Great Solar Project. The repeal failed resoundingly in the Paragon Assembly, however, collapsing in a 0-77 vote that was seen as a sharp rebuke of the Conservative-led effort. Since then, the Great Solar Project has enjoyed consistent support in Parliament.

In a separate statement, Leader of the Opposition Aren Kiri criticized the cost, scope, and implementation of the Great Solar Project. "Minister Helin decided to take a photo op, all the while lining the pockets of corporations with taxpayer money, instead of serving the everyday needs of the Kirsilian people," the statement reads.

When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Paragon Assembly referred the Myrden Times to previous statements released by the Assembly in support of the Great Solar Project.

[Kirsil]

THE HEISHI CHRONICLE

Protestors infiltrate, disrupt Minister Helin's press conference

11/22/1424

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HEISHI — Venshunist protestors interrupted Minister of Natural Resources Helin Telei's press conference held yesterday morning after announcing the completion of Phase 3 of the Great Solar Project.

As Minister Helin began taking questions from reporters, the three protestors unfurled a flag associated with Venshun Nights, an environmentalist movement, and began yelling opposition slogans against the government-backed Great Solar Project. "Our land, our sun," they chanted, as security escorted them from the premises.

Police records show that the activists were arrested on charges of trespassing before being released overnight.

Minister Helin appeared unfazed by the incident and continued answering questions, although she did not address the Great Solar Project's potential environmental impacts on the Venshun Desert, despite receiving multiple questions on environmental concerns.

When asked about the protestors and their message, a spokesperson for Minister Helin declined to comment. Venshunist Party Leader Keien Minsu did not respond to a request for comment.

According to an independent study published by Heishi University, the Great Solar Project will increase Kirsil's electricity generation but will not significantly reduce the average price of electricity for consumers.