15 July
2008: A UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) three-year pilot
project aimed to help rural communities harness the potential of solar energy
recently concluded in Timor-Leste.

Under
the pilot programme, carried out in communities on Atauro Island and in Aleiu
District, community members agreed to pay US$1.80 per month for the use of
solar lanterns, resulting in estimated community savings of US$1800. Sarina
Kilham, UNDESA Chief, said the pilot project has shown that solar energy can
become a real energy option for rural communities, noting that with proper
support, communities have the potential to manage their energy needs in an
affordable and sustainable way. Paulo de Silva, UNDESA Renewable Energy
Officer, said the way in which Timor-Leste meets its energy needs will
determine how quickly and sustainably the country can develop, noting that,
with proper support, solar power does work. [UN
News Release]