Private Sector Financed Community Solar Microgrids and Agricultural Accelerators
Overview
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Project |
Private Sector Financed Community Solar Microgrids and Agricultural Accelerators |
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Collaborators |
Development Ventures (United States) Greenergyze S.A. (Guatemala) | |
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Location Applied |
Guatemala | |
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Website |
Small-scale producers from low-income agricultural communities Guatemala are among the most vulnerable actors in agricultural value-chains across the country. Suitable technologies, including irrigation systems and cold storage facilities, are readily available in Guatemala, however, there are three main constraints preventing producers from accessing them: lack of affordable clean energy to power facilities; lack of affordable finance for investment in clean energy power generation; and lack of skilled service providers who can sustainably operate services at a price-point affordable to producers.[1]
Clean Energy Solution
UVG uses an innovative approach to developing low-cost community utility companies in ‘off-grid’ agricultural communities called Community Accelerators. Each Accelerator will consist of a localized photovoltaic (PV) mini-grid and will be operated by a local for-profit service provider company that also provides agribusiness service. This “utility in a box” approach is designed so that private sector financing can be used to fund the establishment of Accelerators, making this clean energy solution scalable without additional donor funding.[1]
Impact
The project will provide access to clean energy to operate irrigation systems and cold storage facilities. Micro-financing will allow operators to provide services at an affordable price, while generating enough revenue to remain profitable year-round. Increasing the availability of clean energy in communities will reduce reliance on carbon-based fuels currently used to power generators, kerosene lamps, etc. Deforestation may also be reduced as the CES provides an alternative to wood-fueled fires used to dry cardamom.[1]
