Switch On: The Series

Synopsis

Visit the Maasai savannah of Kenya, Africa’s largest slum and its newest hydroelectric dam. Journey into the coal mines and power plants of growing Vietnam. Cross Nepal with an environmental health scientist, studying people’s transition from the most dangerous cooking fuel, killing millions a year, to the safest. And bring solar electricity, for the first time ever, to the Arhuaco people of Northern Colombia. Watch this 7-part series, based on and expanded from the celebrated global energy documentary Switch On- a spectacular, unexpected journey to know and understand the issues driving energy development around the world.

First Air Date: 2024-02-01

Last Air Date: 2024-02-06

Number of Seasons: 1

Number of Episodes: 7

Networks: PBS

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Dr. Scott Tinker as Self

Seasons

Season 1 (2024)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Modern Cooking Fuels (2024-02-01)

3 billion people still use wood or biomass to cook their food and heat their homes. But these necessities come at a devastating cost: 3 million people die each year from breathing smoke. Dr. Scott Tinker visits Nepal, to see how they- like many countries- are transitioning to modern cooking fuels, and the many benefits these bring.
Ep. 2: Urban Grid Expansion (2024-02-02)

100 million people move to cities each year, mostly in the developing world- and they often settle in slums. How will governments and utilities battle cartels, corruption and budget shortfalls to supply electricity to these new urban citizens? Dr. Scott Tinker visits Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, to look at the challenges to urban grid expansion.
Ep. 3: Developing on Coal (2024-02-03)

Nearly every country developed on coal, and the developing world is following suit because coal is cheap, local and easy to use. Affordable coal electricity is helping lift these countries out of poverty, but at local and global environmental costs. Dr. Scott Tinker travels to Vietnam to see the benefits and challenges of developing on coal.
Ep. 4: Hydropower in Africa (2024-02-04)

Many countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America aim to build hydroelectric projects, large and small, to bring electricity to their growing cities and power their economies. Join Dr. Scott Tinker in Ethiopia, at the construction site of Africa's largest dam, to understand the key issues of building hydro here and across the developing world.
Ep. 5: Off-Grid Solar, Part 1 (2024-02-05)

For hundreds of thousands of off-grid villages around the world, building their own solar-powered microgrid may be the fastest way to get electricity. The Arhuaco tribe in remote Colombia has asked a solar nonprofit for help. Dr. Scott Tinker joins them to learn what it takes to plan, fund and build a solar microgrid far off the beaten path.
Ep. 6: Off-Grid Solar, Part 2 (2024-02-06)

Join Dr. Scott Tinker, Solar Electric Light Fund and a team of volunteers as they return to the jungles of Colombia to build a solar microgrid- as utilities, nonprofits and entrepreneurs are doing across the developing world. With the help of the Arhuaco villagers, for the first time ever this remote community will have the power to Switch On.
Ep. 8: Off-Grid Energy Solutions (2020-12-02)

1 billion people still live without electricity, mostly in rural areas where the power grid doesn't reach. Dr. Scott Tinker goes to rural Kenya, to see how micro solar solutions- sold by local entrepreneurs, paid for with mobile phone banking- can bring light for literacy, water for farming, and cultural connection to off-grid families.