A UK-backed solar power project in Peru has officially been opened.

Located at an altitude of more than 4,000 metres, it provides renewable electricity to one of the nation’s most remote regions of Ocoruro, Arequipa.

It is not connected to the grid but the solar technology installed by the British Embassy in Peru, with technical assistance from UK-based NGO Practical Solutions, has allowed 14 families to tap into the power.

Common areas of the community of Ocoruro, such as the main dining room, the primary school and kindergarten, the medical post and homes now have access to electricity.

British Ambassador Anwar Choudhury said: “I am very proud of this project, which has been made possible, thanks to British innovation and should serve as a model for future projects in Peru with the aim of providing electricity to remote communities off the electricity grid.

“The technology exists, the installation is cheap and easy and it works perfectly in rural areas like Ocoruro.”