Pragya has won the prestigious International Energy Globe Award 2005 for its project “MVPower: Renewables based Common Energy Facilities for Remote Mountain Villages in the Cold Deserts of the Indian Himalayas”. This "World Award for Sustainability" is presented to the best-implemented projects from around the world, which contribute to the protection of the four basic elements of life, air, water, wind and earth, thereby providing valuable assistance in the preservation of our planet.

Kudos to the dauntless Appropriate Technology Team of Pragya that implemented the winning project, installing the first-ever Solar-Wind Hybrid System (SWHS) at the altitude of 14,000 ft. in Lossar village of Lahaul & Spiti!! The system has a capacity of 2.1 kW, comprising 14 solar PV panels, generating 1.0 kW, and a windmill generating 1.1 kW, and can supply power for 4 hrs/day for 2 days when there is no power generation.

Today the SWHS lights a rural library serving 60 households and a weaving centre used by 16 women to weave local carpets and shawls to sell to summer visitors, and thus earn from it. The SWHS is ensuring continuous power supply to this remote village where this was perhaps a luxury even to dream of, and inspiring many a young mind – one has even written a poem on this most loved “Pawan Chakki” (Wind-mill) of Lossarites.

Winning this award enables Pragya to proudly share its innovative vision on a worldwide platform for efficient and sustainable environmental solutions.

For more details on the Energy Globe Award 2005, log on to www.energyglobe.org