Current status and prospects of the photovoltaic rural electrification programmes in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This paper describes the recently developed photovoltaic (PV) rural electrification programmes in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais, from their R&D and demonstration phases to the larger-scale applications projects. The PV technology potential in Minas Gerais is considerable, based on the large population of consumers in rural and remote areas who are not, and cannot be, supplied from the state utility (CEMIG) grid, even in the long term. Based upon several successful demonstration projects, which have shown photovoltaics to be reliable and cost effective in rural areas, CEMIG, together with the state and federal governments, has developed a PV rural electrification programme that is driven by quality-of-life improvement for the users. An important element of the programme is the access of low-income, rural consumers to essential electricity and potable water. Another feature is the inclusion of the users into the project at its inception to order to foster consumer buy-in/acceptance and to ensure the effectiveness of the programme. Added benefits of this approach have been the improvement of system design to specifically meet the consumers' needs, and the training of participants to guarantee sustainability of the PV technology. The model for installation and maintenance is discussed, including the social, legal and financial obstacles to deployment of the technology. Following the experience with these demonstration projects, a larger-scale PV rural electrification programme has been launched. However, the sustainability of a successful PV rural electrification programme in Minas Gerais depends significantly on the adopted model and strategies. The challenge for those working with the PV programmes is identifying all the interrelated aspects of market, technical, social and economic issues, as well as building up both the government and the user confidence in this new technology. Throughout this paper, the importance of community organization and inherent need of training is stressed for a successful programme. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.