The Sustainable Development Goals SDGs are pact of achievable goals signed by all countries members of the United Nations in 2015, they are intended to be reached by 2030 in order to achieve a more sustainable future for all. The seventh SDG, “Ensure access to affordable, reliable, affordable and modern energy ” was recognized as an important engine for all other development goals and key to mitigate climate change effects.
On the latest report from the UN secretary general, it has been expressed that access to energy should be at the heart of the COVID-19 response. Since LUTW has been working on energy access for over 20 years, we want to bring the example of Peru as a middle income country that still sees many people living off-grid while efforts to connect them diminish.
Important progress in the last decade for Peru
Various energy generation and grid extension projects has reduced the gap in the amount of households living off-grid substantially in the past decade.
We can celebrate that many more peruvians have energy access and can enjoy using the many tools that we use to keep us, safe, connected and productive.
The ones left are the hardest to reach and suffering the most inequality
We estimate that around 340,000 homes are left behind without sustainable energy sources, the majority living in poverty at the remote Andes and Amazon regions.
Access to energy is important to fight inequality and mitigate the effects of the pandemic
On average a disconnected family living in poverty spends 10 and 20% of their salaries in fuels, candles and disposable candles. This sources are dangerous, polluting, limiting and expensive.
The Covid-19 pandemic has increased the need for reliable sources. The halts in transportation has left remote Peruvians unable to acquire fuels and attend schools, and while the national government has launched radio and television education programs, those without electricity do not have access to it.
How do we reach the most remote populations?
(and the most in need)
The fall in prices and technological advance in renewable energies present a viable solution to satisfy the energy needs of the rural populations of middle income countries like Peru.
There are already technologies specifically designed for the remote use and cover the needs that today are being covered by unsustainable sources. They have the advantage of being, decentralized, portable and affordable that increases their functionality.
Solar Energy systems are a viable solution
Solar energy is a vibrant industry and we are hoping to continue seeing improvements in the technologies that improve lives of those living in disconnected and in poverty.
LUTW’s social enterprise has identified some of these technologies and proposes a model to deliver and maintain these technologies by collaborating with local actors. Today we power more than 55 communities in the Andes and we hope to keep bringing the emerging live-changing technologies to them.
Learn more about the social enterprise here.
