Solar Rural Electrification
Image: America do Sol
Prior to the Luz Para Todos (“Light for All”) initiative, a significant percentage of the Brazilian population lacked access to electricity. The program shows what can be accomplished with strong leadership and vision. The scope of the program is the whole country but has a special impact on Brazilian biosphere reserves.
Launched in 2003 as a program coordinated by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Luz Para Todos had the ambitious goal of providing universal access to electricity to the 12 million people who lived without it, including 10 million in rural areas. Since Luz Para Todos was implemented, 11 million Brazilians have gained access to electricity.
Reaching the last 1 million people may be the most challenging. This last section of the population lives in the Amazon, where extension of the power grid is more difficult. But Brazil is finding innovative ways to reach rural Brazilians and make Luz Para Todos a reality.
Bringing Power to Rural Brazilians
In response to the lack of grid expansion prospects, the program staff created a handbook with ideas for setting up decentralized renewable energy systems, and they are involving citizens in the effort.
Luz Para Todos is helping citizens install solar and biogas power systems in their homes, especially in the thinly spread, small localities deeper in the Amazon. By providing the information and the equipment necessary to install renewable energy sources in these small communities, the final 1 million people of Brazil are much closer to gaining energy access.
Electrification Leads to Development, Social Programs
Brazil knows that the goal of total electrification is central to the country’s poverty reduction and economic development plans. Energy creates opportunities for the development of social programs, such as health care, clean water supply, sanitation and better education facilities.
More information: UN – Sustainable Energy for All – Actions and Commitments
