Australia’s Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is a finalist in the $500,000 Google Impact Challenge with its Solar for Timor initiative.
An estimated 20% of all homes in East Timor won’t ever be connected to mains grid electricity. The Solar for Timor project would see the installation of 2000 solar lighting systems that would bring solar energy to approximately 12,000 people. 75 village-based installers and maintenance technicians would also be trained as part of the project.
While the total installed capacity is small – around 60kW; as has been seen in other developing nations, the positive impact of reliable electricity can be huge. Kerosene lamps are a common sight in East Timor and solar power can help free households from the excessive costs and health risks associated with this highly polluting and dangerous form of lighting.
In order to secure the $500,000 grant from Google, the Solar for Timor project needs votes. Voting and further information can be viewed here.
Voting ends on October 13 and the following day, Google will announce the top four winners; three selected by its judges and the public’s favourite. Each will receive $500,000.
The Google Impact Challenge supports non-profits using technology to tackle problems and transform lives. More than 300 proposals were submitted for this year’s Australian Impact Challenge, with 10 making the finals.
Established in 1980, the Alternative Technology Association is a not-for-profit organisation with 5000 members across Australia that connects and assists people in making sustainable choices in their homes and communities.
The Solar for Timor initiative isn’t the first ATA project in East Timor. Since 2003, the ATA has installed solar lighting in more than 1000 homes, community centres, hospitals and orphanages in remote Timorese villages, plus has also assisted training local technicians to install and maintain solar power systems.
