Central Kachin IDP Installation 2

Atutu installed a solar power microgrid to help electrify the classrooms and shelters for internally displaced families in central Kachin.

Completed on December 2, 2024, the installation brings transformative change to the lives of the 1,756 persons who had been without any electricity.

In partnership with SmartAID and Footprint Project, Atutu successfully installed a mobile microgrid, which had been designed for rapid deployment and teardown to effectively respond to emergencies and constantly changing ground conditions.

The mobile solar microgrid provides electricity for water pumps during the day

…and security lighting at night, aiding in the many basic needs for the families.

The shelter currently accommodates 358 families, including 62 students.

These students are taught by dedicated volunteer teachers – all women who formerly taught in government schools but the schools were forced to close due to the ongoing armed conflict.

These 11 teachers reside in the same camp and generously volunteer their time to educate the displaced students.

On-site School Administrator

“This timely intervention is a beacon of hope. It’s a game-changer, especially during exam periods.”

Other ways energy is being used at the camp

  • Powering medical equipment

    Powering medical equipment

     Individuals with asthma use of a nebulizer or oxygen concentrator.




  • Promote respiratory health

    To mitigate dust inhalation from the nearby road, they use a water pump to spray the surrounding ground, creating a barrier against dust dispersion and improving breathing conditions for camp residents.

  • Administrative Support

    Camp officials/administrative teams utilize office computers and printers for daily operations. They are also able to power an e-bike used for administrative transport.

  • Powering medical equipment

    Communication & Info Dissemination

    A speaker and sound system are employed for making announcements and notifications across the 6-acre camp site.

  • Community Cohesion


    Our system now powers a keyboard and audio appliances during weekly prayer services.

Teacher at the Shelter, December 2024

“The system had an immediate impact on our community members. We were able to equip a prayer hall with lights so we can hold community meetings and events; we also turned the prayer hall into a study space so students from the camp can congregate and study under bright lights every night. This is transformative change.”