Solar power helps Amazon communities ditch diesel and prepare for El Niño drought
SANTAREM, Brazil (AP) — Off-grid solar power is spreading across Brazil’s Amazon, helping remote communities prepare for severe drought while replacing costly, polluting diesel generators. In Nova Sociedade, where residents walked up to 20 kilometers for water during the historic 2024 drought, solar panels now power pumps supplying clean water to 36 families. Household systems […]
Santarem, Brazil — Off-grid solar power is expanding across Brazil’s Amazon region, aiding remote communities in coping with severe drought while eliminating expensive, polluting diesel generators. In Nova Sociedade, residents previously had to trek up to 20 kilometers to fetch water during the 2024 drought; now, solar panels supply clean water to 36 families via pumps.
Household systems illuminate homes and charge phones, while installations in other areas support schools, health clinics, and local businesses. Over 100,000 off-grid systems were operating by 2026. Advocates argue that renewable energy can bolster Indigenous and traditional communities, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to rainforest protection.
Written by urgent.news from Mongabay's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Solar power helps Amazon communities ditch diesel and prepare for El Niño drought winnipegfreepress.com
