SolarERA (Solar Electrification of Rural Areas)

Our research aims to bring about transformative change for the people of the Thar Desert, particularly those in marginalized communities lacking access to reliable electricity.

By introducing SolarERA systems, we seek to provide off-grid electricity solutions that empower individuals, particularly women engaged in traditional Thari crafts, to enhance their economic prospects and improve their quality of life.

Through the provision of electric sewing and craft machines powered by solar energy, we aim to revolutionize the economic landscape of Tharparkar, enabling women to leverage their skills more efficiently and generate sustainable livelihoods for themselves and their families.
Beyond mere economic empowerment, this initiative has the potential to catalyze broader socio-economic development in the region, including improvements in health, education, and connectivity.

By preserving age-old Thari crafts skills and fostering local entrepreneurship, SolarERA offers a holistic solution that addresses both immediate energy needs and long-term socio-economic challenges, ultimately transforming the destiny of Tharparkari people for the better.

By the end of 2026, SolarERA systems will be ready to provide a unique electrification solution that will benefit these people by affording them access to off-grid electricity and in turn electric sewing/craft machines, and in doing so revolutionise their current economic situation.

As a result, Thari-crafts can form the bedrock of the economic model that will provide microfinance institutions with the confidence to offer the initial investment to fund the SolarERA pico-grids. From this key initial electrification enabler, further downstream benefits can flow in relation to Health and Well-being, Education and Learning, Communication and Connectivity etc. Additionally, SolarERA will serve to preserve the age-old Thari crafts skills of these women, passed down by successive generations for centuries.

Background

The people of Thar Desert have little to no electricity access. Those that have access, use diesel polluting generators to produce this electricity, while fuel supply is unreliable and intermittent.

The Thar is the most populous desert in the world, with approximately 16.6m people living there. Tharis are far behind the Pakistani average on economic skills. They rely predominantly on agriculture/livestock and "Thari crafts" (ornate embroidered/sewn garments such as quilts and cushions) to survive. The Thari women who make these crafts are extremely hardworking and talented, spirited and committed.

Empowering women can change the destiny of Tharparkari people. However, the unavailability of electricity needed to power productivity enhancing stitching/sewing machines, means these women must make every stitch painstakingly by hand. As such, garment making is incredibly slow, laborious, and they are unable to leverage their skills to benefit their families and the wider village community

Collaborating partners

• RE 5 Limited (Lead)
• Brunel University London
• Sun Harvester Limited
• Thar Kunwaa Foundation
• Salateen Syndicate