Amazon communities ditch diesel generators for solar power
Remote riverside villages in Brazil are installing solar power systems to break free from fossil fuel dependency and prepare for potential droughts.
Remote riverside communities in Brazil's Amazon rainforest are installing off-grid solar power systems to replace polluting diesel generators, securing access to clean water and preparing for potential drought risks.
Solar Transformation in Nova Sociedade Village
The Nova Sociedade community, located in Brazil's protected Amazon forest, sits on the banks of the Arapiuns River, the only route connecting it to the outside world. In June, villagers installed solar panels to power water pumps and fill storage tanks, beginning to supply clean water to all families.
Challenges Posed by Past Droughts
During the historic drought that hit the region in 2024, villagers had to walk distances of up to 20 kilometers to search for water. Two years later, the community is in a much more prepared position against potential El Niño droughts.
The Role of Civil Society and Donations
The Amazon-based non-profit organization Saude e Alegria provided the solar energy system and equipped 29 other communities with similar technology. Additionally, Schneider Electric donated home solar energy kits to every family in the village.
Rapid Expansion Across the Region
Off-grid solar installations have rapidly increased across the Amazon, rising from 105 in 2020 to over 11,000 in 2022, and reaching over 100,000 by 2026. These systems improve remote villages' access to clean water, electricity, and education.