by psvish
25. December 2010 04:45
Renewable energy - solar, wind, biogas, etc - have been touted as having the capacity to transform poor and remote parts of the world with no access to the regular power grid. But, the reality so far has proved to be otherwise - the usual factors of high costs, lack of distribution channels, support infrastructure have prevented the renewable energy from having a true transformative effect. Now, as we wind down the first decade of the 21st century, comes news that we might be turning the corner on this area.
A recent article in New York Times describes how small solar panels that can be easily mounted on the roof of a hut is helping village families in Kenya. Systems that cost about $80 are being used by villagers to generate enough power to charge cellphones, cook with solar stoves and run lights. These might seem minor capabilities to a person in a developed country with a home connected to 24/7 power from an electric grid. But, these capabilities turn out to be revolutionary in these villages:
- cellphones are not just for gossiping with friends in these places; they are lifeline to keep in touch with market prices in the cities, transfer funds and pay bills
- having lights that can be kept on during the night means children get better grades at school or a roadside food stall or store can stay open in nights resulting in profitable businesses in areas where none existed before.
- having electric power means the family saves a bundle on kerosene for lamps, wood for cooking and reduced injuries from fires.
- save on spending on long trips to cities for recharging cellphones, and so on.
UN estimates that there are over a billion people without power around the globe. Developments like these show that thinking small in the case of renewable energy - i.e., small portable solar panels for villages vs. huge solar farms that development agencies used to push till now - is actually a more effective option.
Track. Report. Analyze. Manage.
