In 2001 China launched one of the largest renewables-based rural electrification programs in the world, with an immediate goal of 1061 village power systems to bring electricity to one million people. Two-thirds of the villages (683) operate using photovoltaic (PV) or PV/wind hybrid systems, with a total of 20 MW of installed PV. The sustainable development approach of the Township Electrification Program has the potential to showcase the benefits of renewables-based systems for rural electrification. Institutional accomplishments thus far include establishing accredited training centers in China, establishing a training framework and curriculum, providing sustainability training to provincial program administrators, selecting system integrators to design and install the systems, and choosing service companies to operate and maintain the village power systems. All systems will be installed by June 2003. This paper will describe the Township Electrification Program and elaborate on the critical components to achieve sustainable village electrification at the lowest cost, in an equitable manner, and with the highest level of consumer satisfaction.
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