Solar power improves water security for Amazon communities

Remote riverine communities in the Brazilian Amazon are adopting off-grid solar power to mitigate the effects of severe droughts caused by El Niño. In the Nova Sociedade community, located near Santarem, solar panels have been installed to power water pumps that fill storage tanks, providing clean water to 36 families.

Previously, the community relied on expensive and polluting diesel generators for electricity, which offered limited and unreliable power. During a historic drought in 2024, residents were forced to walk up to 20 kilometers to find water. The new solar systems, provided by the nonprofit Saude e Alegria and supported by donations from Schneider Electric, include batteries to power lights at night and charge small electronic devices.

Saude e Alegria has equipped 29 other communities with similar technology to improve access to electricity and water in homes, schools, and health centers while reducing dependence on diesel fuel.