Access to clean and affordable energy is not just a basic necessity—it is the foundation for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Recognizing this, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) launched the Lighting a Billion Lives© (LaBL) campaign in 2008, a global initiative aimed at replacing hazardous kerosene-based lighting with clean, solar-powered alternatives in energy-poor communities. Over the years, LaBL has illuminated the lives of around 14 million people across 13 countries, enabling them to transition to safer, more efficient lighting solutions through a community-driven, entrepreneurial model.

Building on the impact and learnings from the original LaBL campaign, LaBL 2.0 is designed to push the boundaries of energy access—from basic lighting to energy for productive use and livelihood generation. This marks a significant shift from providing light to enabling life-sustaining, income-generating activities powered by clean energy. The initiative is rooted in the belief that sustainable energy access must contribute directly to improving livelihoods, empowering rural communities, and advancing climate resilience.

At the core of LaBL 2.0 is the focus on livelihood empowerment. TERI aims to nurture rural energy entrepreneurs, especially women, by equipping them with the skills, tools, and financial support needed to run and sustain solar enterprises. These decentralized clean energy solutions are tailored to meet the demands of the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors, supporting agriculture, micro and small-scale industries, and rural services.

In addition to entrepreneurship, capacity building plays a critical role in the LaBL 2.0 approach. TERI provides ongoing technical training and support to ensure the durability of clean energy systems and to enable local service providers to deliver efficient aftersales services. Furthermore, LaBL 2.0 aligns strongly with national and global climate goals. By deploying decentralized renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, the initiative contributes to climate action, promotes energy justice, and supports India’s broader energy transition journey. Through targeted interventions in sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, and rural industries, TERI is ensuring that clean energy directly translates into improved income, resilience, and dignity for the underserved.

TERI’s ingenuity in designing and executing livelihood-based energy projects is widely recognized. With LaBL 2.0, TERI invites partners, governments, and citizens to be part of a movement that doesn’t stop at lighting homes—but powers the engines of rural economies and builds a more equitable and sustainable future for all.