The Millennial Files

Solar Energy Raises Quality of Life for Tibetan Nomads

Most of the time, when Westerners think of alternative energy, it is in terms of helping to clean up the environment on a global level. But what we often neglect to see is how some alternative energies can raise the quality of life in the 3rd World. I recently received a letter from Kevin Stuart, an American ex-patriot who now lives in the Qinghai Province of Western China. He expressed pleasure in informing me, thanks to the German Embassy in Beijing, 95 local Rashi nomadic and impoverished households had received solar panels and batteries to be used for lighting and radios in their yak-hair tents and adobe winter shelters.

According to Tibetan student, Sonam Wonjal, author of the project, thanks to access to this clean energy, recipients will no longer need to burn kerosene and butter for light. Not only will this improve their health as a result of not breathing fumes from burning fuels, but they will be able to spend money that would have gone to kerosene, for other basic needs such as "barley and shoes." Additionally, those families who produce their own butter, will now be able to churn more at night, and sell or trade it for food or other household needs.

The panels have a 10-year guaranty, and the batteries, one. Both are small enough the families can take them with them as they migrate throughout the region. Below is a picture of Rashi nomad, Mr. Pucuo standing before his horse, ready to take his solar equipment  home.

                                                   Third World Meets the 21st Century