Solar power in favelas of Brazil hopes to shine under G20 spotlight

Residents of Morro de Babilonia in Rio de Janeiro, one of the underdeveloped "favela" neighborhoods, rarely discuss geopolitics. But as the city prepares to host the leaders of the Group of 20 on Monday, they hope that a project of the locals' will find its way into the spotlight.

Babilonia, a small community in Rio de Janeiro, has slowly expanded its use of solar energy since 2015. Local non-profit Revolusolar installed panels that power the homes of 50 families.

The non-profit organization hopes to expand next year to 100 families, at a cost estimated to be 1.5 million reais (about $260,000).

Revolusolar is participating in the G20 Social. This side event was created by Brazil’s President Luiz inacio Lula da Silveira to allow non-government organizations to participate in the global forum. Lula and Janja Lula Da Silva will be at the G20 Social closing ceremony this Saturday.

Adriano Hazad is a Revolusolar local from Babilonia who used the opportunity to meet with Rio officials to discuss their plans.

The non-profit organization, which also provides solar energy to eight other communities in Brazil, including a Indigenous community in Amazon rainforest, hopes that the visibility of the project will attract funding and government support in order to provide sustainable energy in favelas.

Hazad said, "I believe that when we become a showcase to the world it is the right time to make our project grow."

(source: Reuters)