PROJECT OF THE WEEK: Electricity Courtesy of Rice and Sun in Cambodia

Project Goal: The ‘Moonlight' solar lamp is a clean alternative to the standard kerosene lamps usually used in rural villages

Project Scale: In 2011, 25,000 Moonlight lamps are expected to be manufactured. The price of a lamp will be reduced from $25 to $20.

Project Investment: So far, Kamworks has invested some 150,000 euros of capital

80 percent of Cambodians live in rural parts of the country, outside the national electricity grid. "Moonlight" lamps can be hung up on the ceiling or even worn around the neck, and provide over four hours of light. On its economy setting, it can provide light for over 20 hours. The lamp was designed by the company Kamworks, which subsequently won the "Clean Energy Market Place Award" in 2010. Another company called SME Renewables also works in Cambodia, developing alternative energy solutions. For example, it builds units that can turn biomass into electricity.

A film by Marion Hütter