The village of Rampura in Uttar Pradesh, India, provides a working example of how poor communities can lift themselves out of energy poverty while contributing to a low-carbon future.
It also demonstrates how World Bank money could be better spent.
Two years ago, Rampura had no access to electricity.
Now, thanks to a new solar project managed by the villagers, the community has undergone an incredible transformation.
As well as powering street lighting and providing 44 of the village's households with electricity, solar power has truly enhanced the lives of its schoolchildren.
Ten-year-old Shanno is a pupil at the village’s primary school.
'Solar power is a blessing,' she says. 'Now we can study at night time.'
And that's not all. A new computer training centre is actually making school an attractive proposition to local children!
'Kids like me now go [to school] every day... none of the students want to miss it.'
Most villagers work in agriculture, and electrification has seen the setting up of a small flour mill, providing jobs and helping stimulate the local economy.
The solar plant is the pride of Rampura - and the envy of neighbouring villages in the drought-prone region of Bundelkhand.
It is reliable - the village hasn't gone a day without energy since 26 January 2009, while now has back-up power for up to five sun-less days.
Plus the community ownership model has stimulated the entire village, with the management committee now supervising other agricultural projects.
Renewable energy sources are abundant in the developing world. They have a significant potential to help countries meet their growing energy needs.
Christian Aid believes that the World Bank has a chance to play a vital role in the shift to a low carbon energy future – one that lifts poor people out of poverty and protects us all from the effects of climate change.
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Act now!Write to your MP and urge the UK to keep the pressure on the World Bank. No fossil-fuel loans!
