Services for developing countries

PV pumping in Mali provides
clean water for drinking and
cooking

There are around 2 billion people in the world who do not have access to adequate clean water supplies, electric lighting, primary health care, education and other basic services. At the Millennium Assembly of the United Nations in 2000, the international community adopted the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and set clear and ambitious targets for improving the conditions of these disadvantaged people. The focus of the programmes of the world's development assistance agencies (bilateral and multilateral donors, development banks, NGOs) are now clearly aimed at poverty alleviation in general, and at achieving the MDG targets.

PV is uniquely attractive as an energy source to provide basic services, such as lighting, drinking water and power for income-generating work, for the people without electricity. Now, after its first five years of work, IEA-PVPS Task 9, PV Services for Developing Countries (PVSDC) has subtly redefined its mission: to increase the sustainable use of PV & other renewable energy technologies in developing countries in support of meeting the targets of the Millennium Development Goals.

Further information on PVSDC and UK involvement can be found on the subsequent pages of this site and also on the main PVPS website. To download an introductory flier on Task 9 click here.