Infrastructure improvement acts as base for further social and economic development. In line with this approach, HCL Samuday is developing energy infrastructure to bring electricity to un-electrified habitations; and ensure a non-disruptive supply of electricity in health centres and schools. The former is being done by setting up solar mini grids whose sustainable operation and maintenance is guaranteed by formulating Solar User Groups (comprising of community members) and the latter task of facility electrification is being accomplished by roof-top solar PV systems.
Key Interventions
- Village Electrification
- Health Facility Electrification
Village Electrification
Under Village Electrification intervention, HCL Samuday works for alleviation of energy poverty and holistic development of rural communities by making reliable and clean electricity available to habitations and its public institutions.
Reliable electricity is being provided to habitations in the most productive hours of its inhabitants by establishing a network of sustainable, scalable, and replicable decentralized solar mini grids. Sustainability of this intervention is being assured by formulating and strengthening village level organizations called Solar User Groups (SUG). With a vision to promote livelihood, various energy-based livelihood opportunities are also being promoted. For example, cheap and reliable irrigation is being facilitated by solar irrigation pumps that use energy from the established mini grids. Along with this, during night habitations enjoy street lighting in every nook and corner.
Currently 3,700 households, 68 public institutions, and 6 micro enterprises across 41 villages are being supported from 32 solar mini grids.
Children studying under the light, provided by solar mini-grid in their home, during night.
Street lights illuminating a village
Women operators at one of the mini-grids
A woman inside her solar electrified HH
School Children during the inauguration of a Solar mini-grid in their villag
Health Facility Electrification
One of the primary functions of health facilities is to provide mother and child health care services. 24*7 availability of reliable electricity is a non-negotiable requirement for health facilities to operate smoothly. However, several centers in rural areas have ravaged electrical infrastructure unable to power lifesaving equipment which in turn puts the health of community, especially mothers and children, in jeopardy.
To overcome this challenge, 12 govt. health facilities are being supported with 24*7 availability of reliable electricity from solar roof top PV systems.
A refurbished Health Center energized by solar roof top
A solar roof-top system at an APHC