Solar Energy Transformation in Timor-Leste: A Step Towards Sustainability
In a bid to foster a sustainable and cost-effective energy future, the Training of Trainers programme organized by TERI has engaged around 20 young individuals in Timor-Leste. The training, focusing on solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, aims to equip these young specialists with the knowledge necessary to install and maintain solar PV systems in communities.
Timor-Leste is making strides towards adopting renewable energy infrastructure, recognizing it as a reliable and economical source. This shift is particularly significant in rural areas, where loud, diesel-powered generators are being replaced by solar energy. This transition is improving healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and production activities across the nation.
Among the trainees are Aurora, Olandino, and Abraão, each of whom has expressed their enthusiasm for the potential of solar energy. Olandino da Silva highlights the cost-effectiveness and cleanliness of solar energy, while Abraão emphasizes the impact of the training program on electrifying rural villages with solar energy.
The training program covers various solar panel types, such as monocrystalline and polycrystalline, each with unique efficiency levels and performance characteristics based on weather conditions. It also delves into topics like solar radiation, solar system design, practical measurements, maintenance protocols, and more.
Olandino suggests that future training programs should include advanced subjects like PV system software and other renewable energy resources software. Abraão, from a rural community in Timor-Leste, understands the challenges and value of having solar energy and is prepared to pass this knowledge to others.
The educational program, part of the ACCESS project, aims to boost local people's capacity and knowledge in installing and maintaining solar PV systems, with the goal of bringing reliable and sustainable electricity to 100,000 people. The program involves both theoretical and practical sessions to provide comprehensive learning experiences in solar energy basics, site assessments, and system maintenance.
Timor-Leste's National Designated Entity (NDE) sought the expertise of the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) to develop a program for the sustainable use of solar energy. The capacity building in Timor-Leste's renewable energy sector is being implemented by the CTCN and its consortium partner, the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), with the support from the Green Climate Fund Readiness grant.
The benefits of this training program extend beyond the immediate trainees. By enabling local operators to effectively manage and maintain solar PV systems, the program improves access to reliable and sustainable energy for rural communities. This contributes to enhancing energy resilience, reducing dependency on external technicians, and fostering economic and social development in remote areas by ensuring long-term functionality of solar installations.
In summary, the modular training program offers both theory and hands-on practice on solar energy installation and maintenance. It targets local people in rural Timor-Leste, including significant participation from women. The expected benefits include improved sustainability and reliability of solar PV systems, empowering communities with technical skills to manage their energy needs independently.
This approach aligns with broader regional efforts to promote clean energy solutions through capacity building and local operator training. The empowered youth of Timor-Leste are shaping the future of their country, one solar panel at a time.
- Recognizing the potential of solar energy, Olandino da Silva advocates for the inclusion of advanced subjects like PV system software and other renewable energy resources software in future training programs.
- Abraão, from a rural community in Timor-Leste, who has gained knowledge from the training program, is prepared to pass this expertise on to others, aiming to electrify more rural villages.
- The Training of Trainers program, part of the ACCESS project, emphasizes environmental-science and data-and-cloud-computing skills, covering various solar panel types and practical maintenance protocols, to create a powerful foundation for personal-growth and education-and-self-development.
- By implementing programs with the help of Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and partnering with organizations like The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the government of Timor-Leste aims to utilize technology and sustainable energy sources like solar PV to foster economic and social development, leading to long-term growth and environmental protection.
