29 January 2015: The Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative is helping to provide solar-powered water pumps to assist women working in the desert salt pans of western India, replacing expensive and dirty diesel pumps with clean, inexpensive energy. SE4ALL is implementing the project in partnership with the Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), World Bank and solar energy company Sun Edison.

The project, in the Great Rann of Kutch desert in the state of Gujarat, cuts diesel consumption by two-thirds, providing workers with an annual saving of 60,000 Indian Rupees, or approximately US$1,000. In the past, workers had to borrow money from salt traders to buy diesel, food and drinking water for the salt production season; however, by using a solar pump, net incomes from salt production have more than doubled, even after repaying part of the pump’s cost.

In 2015, SEWA will distribute 400 more solar pumps, including 200 in partnership with Sun Edison, and aims to replace diesel pumps for its 17,000 salt workers over the coming decade. While solar pumps run during the day, diesel is still used at night since the batteries required to store solar energy for nighttime use are expensive and need frequent maintenance.

Speaking at the official launch of SEWA’s Solar Water Pumps project, Kandeh Yumkella, SE4ALL CEO, said that energy issues are central to sustainable development, and that energy and access to energy services are directly linked to the economic and social wellbeing of women.

SEWA Director Reemaben Nanavaty said salt workers are “trapped in poverty” because of high diesel costs, which make up approximately 70% of their production costs. The solar pump initiative will enable workers to increase their productivity and incomes, achieve economic independence, and improve their families’ health and education opportunities. [SE4ALL Press Release] [IISD RS Story on SE4ALL, Gujarat Agreement on Energy Access]