Clean Electricity
Electricity is the key
Almost one billion people worldwide have no access to electricity. Yet electricity is the key to economic development, modern information and communication technologies, education and health care.
Electricity also works without a grid
In the pilot village, different approaches of decentralised off-grid solar systems are being tested with the aim of area-wide electrification. In addition to the basic supply for lighting and charging of mobile devices, larger systems for so-called "productive use" applications to generate income are also to be built.
What electricity does
- Electric lighting replaces unhealthy technologies such as paraffin lamps
- Electric lighting prolongs the day (in the tropics, night begins around 6 pm). Electric lighting makes it possible, for example, for pupils to still do homework or read after 6 pm.
- In sub-Saharan Africa, the electrification rate is about one third of households. In contrast, more than 80% of households have a simple mobile phone or a smartphone. The share of (internet-enabled) smartphones is continuously increasing. Owning a mobile phone or smartphone, which can ideally be charged at home, is important for communication and participation, increasingly also for improving income.
- Electric outdoor lighting increases the sense of security
- Solar home systems can also power computers, tablets, radios and televisions, which is also important for participation and also education.
- Income can be generated or food secured through the use of "productive use" equipment such as refrigerators, mobile phone charging stations, mills, pumps, irrigation systems, welding equipment, large televisions or projectors for film screenings.