United Nations Development Programme

The Central Highlands of Afghanistan—Bamyan, Ghor, and Daikundi—face some of the country’s greatest energy challenges. Most areas remain off-grid or only partially connected, leaving families dependent on small-scale solar panels, diesel generators, or micro-hydropower systems that are often costly, unreliable, and insufficient. Harsh winters, rugged mountains, and limited infrastructure investment further deepen the energy gap, restricting opportunities for education, healthcare, economic activity, and cultural preservation. To address these challenges, UNDP through the SESEHA project is equipping health and education facilities with sustainable energy solutions, enabling them to deliver services that would be impossible without reliable power. Building on this, UNDP has piloted a community-oriented business model for improving electricity access in households adjacent to Zargaran Girls’ Primary School in Bamyan. Under this model, the school sells surplus electricity from the installed system to nearby households. This not only provides local families with affordable and reliable electricity but also generates revenue for the operation and maintenance of the solar system—ensuring sustainability beyond the project cycle and energy access to vulnerable families at an affordable cost, leaving no one behind. <img src="https://giveth.mypinata.cloud/ipfs/QmNoRwPN7Gn7wwKWrRd4iZY8zU8iNmdde8EUzoF1hY3nSZ" width="350" style=""> <img src="https://giveth.mypinata.cloud/ipfs/QmemhMpnfyZ2HEaoV5xpz9Dkq9EhcURXeyiAVgtYuhhCVc" width="624" style=""> <img src="https://giveth.mypinata.cloud/ipfs/QmRNEKTQg3XP4JUxk8AxpfZX1XkCi5gyQxCd3baXZKaatB" width="233" style=""> <h2>Goals and Impact</h2>• Provide schools and nearby communities with reliable electricity for essential needs.• Improve learning environments with lighting, ventilation, and safe water access.• Reduce dependence on costly, polluting diesel generators.• Build local ownership and strengthen capacity for long-term system sustainability. <h2>Budget (Tentative):</h2>• Replicating the Implementation of the business model in all 20 schools of Central Highlands: USD 60,000 Your support will directly invest in improving energy access for families and ensuring that every child has the light to learn and the opportunity to build a brighter future.

Energy Access Through Community-Driven Business Models
United Nations Development Programme

Donate first & lead the way!

Energy Access Through Community-Driven Business ModelsUnited Nations Development Programme

Donate first & lead the way!

Energy Access Through Community-Driven Business Models
United Nations Development Programme