We’d like to introduce an area of work in which World Vision has an interest to grow our programs — the integration of water and energy. In many of the communities in which we work, the biggest issue that people have is access to clean water. Often once communities have access to water, their next biggest desire is to have access to energy — specifically electricity for their schools, health centers, and homes.
The need for electricity in rural communities of the developing world is clear since only about 40% of healthcare facilities and 30% of primary schools and households have access to electricity. For healthcare facilities, providing electricity will eliminate the need for pregnant women to bring candles with them to a maternity ward when it’s time to deliver, allow for sterilization of medical instruments, and provide opportunities for telehealth. For schools, electricity provides the opportunity for students to use computers, have access to internet, and have longer hours for studying.
World Vision already has substantial experience in the installation of solar panels to provide power for water pumps. This work has grown significantly over the last several years as we’ve made a major shift away from the use of hand pumps to solar-powered water systems. We believe that the next big shift may be to install micro-grids that allow for these water systems to also provide electricity for the schools, clinics, and eventually entire communities.
The pumping of water already uses a lot of energy and in fact, can require more than 40% of the entire power demand of a school or healthcare facility. Therefore, it’s likely that expanding water-focused energy systems will be more cost-effective than implementing a separate electricity system since the critical initial infrastructure is already in place.
While the integration of water and energy is relatively new to World Vision, we are gaining experience through several collaborations. In Sierra Leone, World Vision is part of a USAID Global Development Alliance through which we are providing electricity, water, and internet connectivity to off-grid healthcare facilities. In Ethiopia, we are part of an effort funded by the Child Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) that is providing water and electricity to 281 healthcare facilities, 415 schools, and the surrounding communities in 10 districts. Through our partnership with Grundfos, World Vision procured 400 pumps and 1,000 solar panels last year and benefited from bulk discounts and technical support from Grundfos technical teams.
We’re learning a great deal about the integration of water and energy including ongoing operation and maintenance needs, fee collection, and funding options. We’re excited about the potential to add this new capability to World Vision’s toolbox of resources to help lift people out of poverty sustainably.
Prayer requests
Give thanks for our partners who are helping provide energy and water solutions including our donors for Tanzania, including Grundfos, USAID, CIFF, and Give Power.
Pray fordiscernment as we tackle and overcome obstacles in our new efforts in the energy sector.
Pray that God will provide the necessary resources as we continue this journey of learning and equipping people with both clean water and energy.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
In 2022, 89% of World Vision's total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need. Learn More.
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