Mông villagers in Đắk Lắk access solar electricity and clean water

Installing a public lighting system in Ea Rớt village. - Photo courtesy of Green ID

The electricity and clean water supply system using solar energy was transferred to the local community on Friday. The system has an installation capacity of 6.24 kWp using solar panels to generate electricity for domestic use and electricity for a Reverse Osmosis water filtration system.

The design enables the system to generate 20kWh per day, meet the lighting demand of about 20 households and supplying 700 to 1,000 litres of clean water per day for the villagers.

It needs about four sunlight hours, from 10am to 2pm, to generate electricity for the water filtration system. The remaining generated electricity will be saved in battery accumulators used for lighting at night. The electricity generating capacity will increase when the electricity demand is high.

The electricity and clean water supply system using solar energy will function for the next 20 years. It received investment worth VNĐ500 million (US$21,700) by the McKnight Fund, within the framework of a project that supports the engagement of stakeholders and sustainable energy solutions in Việt Nam’s energy development plan. The project has been conducted by Green ID and Đắk Lắk Province’s Department of Industry and Trade between January 2016 and December 2017.

To ensure the fiscal sustainability of the project, locals will pay VNĐ2,000 ($0.09) for 1kWh and about VNĐ7,000-8,000 ($0.3) for a 20-litre fresh water bottle. The money will be used for operation and maintenance.

Nguyễn Văn Tâm, Chairman of Cư Pui Commune’s People’s Committee said that Ea Rớt Village did not have access to electricity, so the villagers are happy with this system.

“The villagers will be responsible for preserving the system. The authorities must send a technician to fix any problem,” he said.

According to Green ID, the system has the advantage of low-cost installation fees and simple maintenance. When the national grid comes to the village, this system can be adjusted to fit with the national grid.

“The system not only provides humanitarian benefits, but also brings about locality-specific results by establishing energy plans in line with the community’s demands,” Ngụy Thị Khanh, Green ID Executive Director said, expressing her wish to bring similar systems to other localities, thanks to support of State agencies and sponsors.