Rural Electrification in South Asia
World dependence on fossil fuel for energy is wreaking havoc on our ecological and social systems not to mention our economics. In the not-too-distant future, it is likely that the balance will reverse between the so-called "underdeveloped" countries and industrialized wealthy countries as our oil reserves are depleted. Many non-industrialized countries have maintained traditional, resource-friendly, self-sufficient modes of living, and since these regions are often not on the electrical grid and are either tropical or in high elevations, thus receiving ample sunlight, these regions are excellent locations for the democratic proliferation of locally produced renewable energy technology.
While the staggering rise in petroleum product prices is already difficult to bear in developed countries such as the USA and in Europe, such incessant and rapid price hikes in undeveloped countries can often yield catastrophic consequences, not limited to rioting and wars but in terms of the availability of food and other vital services especially in far-flung remote areas.
Right now, although market-priced solar energy systems are prohibitively expensive for most agrarian societies in the Himalayan and South Asia regions, the need for energy in community buildings, schools, health centers, small businesses, and monasteries is ever growing. Government programs to help subsidize renewable energy rarely reach the intended poorest beneficiaries and are wrought with bureaucratic regulations and stipulations.
The Solar Sisters TM Program is a simple and effective way to distribute community-controlled solar systems to rural communities themselves, while providing the international traveler with a useful, responsible and remarkable alternative to the tourism experience while exploring some of the most beautiful places in the world and developing close relationships with diverse cultures.
Solar Energy is a crucial solution to the social, environmental, political and health crisis brought about by the use of petroleum and wood for energy throughout the world.
Due to environmental constraints or political crisis, conventional electrification is unavailable in many parts of South Asia. In Nepal, less than 15% of the rural population has access to electricity and the central grid is not expected to reach most remote populations for decades. In Sri Lanka, many villages are either too remote to access the electric grid or have had their resource infrastructure destroyed by decades of war.
Northern India and remote areas of Bhutan exhibit similar profiles. Villagers rely on kerosene, fuel wood and batteries that can be expensive, time-consuming to obtain, present heath hazards, and are damaging to the environment.
Decentralized, grassroots renewable energy programs present a practical solution to these problems. Solar electricity provides useful amounts of power to remote buildings replacing kerosene, batteries and wood burning. Solar energy is also a realistic alternative to fossil fuel dependence which is threatening the entire globe.
Solar Sisters Programs are available year-round, and the itinerary varies with the site location. Participants can select a village, type of project, or region based on their interests.