Only Afghanistan’s major cities have the luxury of electricity. The Afghan government estimates that less 10% of the country has access to power. There are many hydroelectric dams, but due to the drought, they have produced less electricity while demand continues to soar.

Last month, there was a positive shift in Kabul where close to 20 hours of electricity is available for most citizens thanks to a power line from Uzbekistan.

But what about the rest of the country, specially the rural areas? And what about green energy? Afghanistan has plenty of sun, rivers and wind that can produce clean, efficient energy.

Wind Power

This news report covers a small wind farm in Panjsher developed by the US. But instead of powering people’s homes, it powers the governor’s office. And that isn’t the only surprise.

Solar Power

Can Afghanistan invest in solar farms? If so, when can it be ready? I think we shouldn’t hold our breath.

In the mean time, on a grass roots level, there could be creative ways to harness the sun’s power.

Jennifer McCarthy runs the blog WaterFlows. She raised money through her “living on a $1 a day” campaign. With the funds, McCarthy financed the construction of a much needed well in the village of Ahmadabad in Faryab province.

Aside from clear water, the villagers requested access to electricity. Getting a power line to the village is a major challenge– most likely due to the thick red tape within the Afghan government. And it would cost an estimated $35,000 to get full solar panels for each household.

So she purchased two inexpensive solar mats that provide enough power to charge a cell phone or lamp batteries to light a room.

A resident of Ahmadbad charging his cell phone with a portable solar mat. Photo by Jennifer McCarthy

How can each village household have access to his own solar panel mat? One idea is to subsidize the cost. Until a major green energy initiative can deliver, could this be one interim solution to solve the most basic needs of the rural population?

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