Developing a Range of Renewable Energy Systems

Sisattanak, Laos

One advanced level placement with Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE). LIRE is a non-profit institute which explores, develops and sustains efforts towards a Lao energy sector with its own renewable sources of energy, at prices that are both commercially viable and affordable to most of the Lao people. http://lao-ire.org/

LIRE was launched with the assistance of Sunlabob, a Lao social enterprise which offers a range of renewable energy services, hardware and training. Since 2000, Sunlabob has installed over 5600 systems in over 450 villages and locations across Laos. Recently Sunlabob developed and implemented a renewable energy rental service for which they won the first prize Ashden Award for Light and Power in 2007. http://www.ashdenawards.org/winners/sunlabob?t=aa

The scope of this engagement encompasses rural bio-fuel generation, gasification of crop residues and software development for hybrid electricity grids. The target beneficiaries are communities lacking reliable, sustainable and affordable energy supplies in rural Laos. Both Sunlabob and LIRE both advocate training and long term community involvement, and their efforts so far have supported the growth of village craftwork enterprises during the dry season and have improved medical facilities.

Project Information

Sunlabob and LIRE work on a number of similar projects and your focus between these organisations will depend on the current need of each individual project as much as your own particular strengths.

The volunteer will be helping to develop and implement a number of renewable energy systems and will be expected to help to train the Lao staff in the installation and maintenance of the technologies themselves:

1. Bio-fuels

LIRE has a 10-step program to develop a bio-fuel capability in Laos using the oil from the Jatropha plant. The plantations must fit the established farming systems and the oil must be produced locally to avoid transportation difficulties to remote rural areas. http://lao-ire.org/jatropha-program.html

2. Gasification

In some areas in northern Laos bamboo has become the dominant forest cover. It must be cut back to achieve better reforestation and much of this bamboo can be commercially used, but most of it will be only useful as fuel. LIRE is keen to develop gasification plants to make use of this source of bamboo and drive motors for electricity generation. Other sources of dry organic matter in the villages may also become sources for wood-gas for electrification. An interesting side-product may be active carbon for filters and chemical processes. http://lao-ire.org/projects-ideas/bamboo-gasification.html

3. Water Purification

Sunlabob/LIRE are in contact with companies in Europe who are exploring ways of obtaining through pumping and then UV-radiation, to be bottled in large bottles, which could become a viable and cheap alternative to drinking water networks in remote villages.

4. Software Development

Sunlabob require assistance to design integration systems for hybrid electricity grids and programming software for their monitoring systems.

Project Costs

This is a three-month placement. Essential living and travel costs are estimated to be £1400 - £2300. This large range in costs reflects the considerable variation in the price of flights and vaccinations. You may apply to EWB-UK for a grant to cover up to 50-75% of these anticipated costs (amount to be finalised). EWB-UK will support volunteers' efforts to raise additional funds. After the selection process, a breakdown of the budget will be made available.

Pre-Departure Requirements

Successful applicants will have a detailed project briefing with their project manager prior to departure. They will be put in touch with the partner organisation and will be supported by EWB-UK in finding travel insurance and booking travel, but should finalise placement dates, accommodation, vaccinations, visas and other details independently.

To make an effective and lasting contribution towards the community and partner organisation on arrival and within the limited time available, volunteers should be prepared to conduct extensive pre-departure research towards the project goals. The project manager will provide assistance in contacting organisations and individuals for further support and guidance.

Feedback Requirements

Placement volunteers are required to report to EWB-UK during and after the placement. For summer volunteers this includes two interim reports and a final report. Interim reports are used by your project manager to offer you further guidance and support. The final report will be discussed in detail with your project manager in a debrief to analyse potential areas of improvement.

Furthermore, volunteers are actively encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with other EWB-UK members across the country. You will join a network where you will have the chance to present and discuss your work at EWB-UK branches and opportunities to contribute to future overseas placements and appropriate technology R&D projects.