In Nepal, those who do not have access to electricity generally
rely on kerosene based wick lamp (2.4 million households, Central
Bureau of Statistics/His Majesty's Government, Nepal/2001).
This form of lighting is neither cost effective nor is it "environment
friendly". On the macro level, since kerosene has to be
imported, government has to spend its limited foreign currency
reserve. On the micro level, fumes from the tuki affect the
eyes and lungs, contribute to global warming due to release
of greenhouse gas (CO2), the quality of light is inferior and
there is a high risk of accidental fire hazards.
So, the aim of the 'light for all' campaign is to displace
kerosene wicked lamps by solar tukis and it envisages to sell
the solar tuki, an innovative portable solar lamp unit with
white LED bulbs, to low income, rural Nepalese households. The
LED bulbs offer significant advantages over the traditional
tukis emitting a brighter light, requiring less maintenance,
and lasting longer. One of the greatest benefits would be the
elimination of fumes and smoke which would both improve the
health of families and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The
"light for all" campaign, which expects to reach 2.4
million households by the year 2015, is expected to set up a
microfinance mechanism to enable poor households to buy the
solar tukis.
"The solar tuki is the most appropriate and stable source
of light that is gaining popularity across, and hence is the
most reliable, affordable and portable with non-polluting qualities
and easy maintenance. The fully charged solar tuki works continuously
with bright light for eight hours, which could be used for studies
and indoor work, including additional income generating works.
This will in turn have a positive impact on the standard of
living.
The solar tuki system promoted costs only Rs. 3500 (about 50
US$) and consists of two units of White Light Emitting Diode-based
lamps with rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries, a 3-watt
solar panel and a 3-volt accessory to listen to FM/AM radio.
If the users were to avail of micro finance, they would only
need to pay a monthly installment of Rs. 150 for two years,
which is as much as they are paying per month now for the kerosene
and dry cells. At the end of two years, the users would be getting
light virtually free of cost and the only recurring cost will
be the replacement of the rechargeable batteries every two years
for an additional cost of Rs. 300 only. The money from the sold
units will again be used to extend the program to new sites
as a revolving fund thereby spreading its usage and supporting
the overall LIGHT For ALL campaign.
Picked amongst about 2,700 entrants from 136 countries, Environment
Camps for Conservation Awareness (ECCA), an IUCN member in Nepal,
has received the prestigious Development Marketplace 2005 Award
for its innovative proposal on solar based household lighting
(Solar Tukis) developed and promoted by Center for Renewable
Energy (CRE), through the integrated approach of community mobilization
and technological intervention.
The light for all campaign also has already received partial
grant support from the World Bank development market place in
2005 (national) and from the Small Grants Program of the Global
Environment Facility to implement the project.
