SIBAT
Expanding Capacity to Implement Renewable Energy Systems
Quezon City, Manila, Philippines. 12 months
A 12 month placement with SIBAT, a Filipino non-governmental organisation (NGO) developing and installing Community-Based Renewable Energy Systems (CBRES), including micro-hydro systems, solar PV water pumps and wind turbine.
The projects' beneficiaries are remote, off grid communities throughout the Philippines. SIBAT works with a local partner organisation; these may be groups from agriculture or fishing, indigenous, natural resource management or women’s cooperatives.
Project Information
Over the last 15 years, SIBAT have developed micro-hydro and solar technology as part of their community based renewable energy system (CBRES) model for remote, off-grid communities. The CBRES model aims to ensure a sustainable system through community participation and empowerment. CBRES are seen as an appropriate development tool for isolated rural communities, providing electricity, post harvest agro-processing capabilities or pumped potable water.
The CBRES model requires projects to be implemented in partnership with a ‘people's organisation’ from the community, usually an indigenous, farming, fishing, resource management or women's group.
Having implemented several micro-hydro electricity generation and solar PV water pumping projects , SIBAT would like to continueto develop their wind turbine-powered water pumping programme. Previous EWB volunteers have worked on the development and repair of our first wind turbine, as well as improvements to the efficiency of the electrical systems on other renewable energy schemes. SIBAT would like volunteer to build upon this work. This work will involve:
- Working with SIBAT engineers in assessing research and development needs of all renewable energy technologies, and developing a strategy to meet these needs.
- Community assessment and feasibility studies for renewable energy systems
- Supervising SIBAT’s Wind Turbine manufacturing where required
- Assisting in the implementation of other CBRES projects
- Community liaison
- Help improve SIBAT’s capacity to develop, install and repair our wind turbines
Partner Organisation
The Sibol ng Agham at Teknolohiya (SIBAT) or ‘Wellspring of Science and Technology’ is a non-governmental organization engaged in the promotion and development of appropriate technology in the Philippines. SIBAT have been operating since 1984, and have projects in rural areas all over the Philippines. Their two main fields of work are renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
SIBAT designs and installs projects in cooperation with local communities, aiming to generate real benefits and strengthen social justice and equitability among disadvantaged sectors and population. For more information on the organisation, please visit: www.sibat.org
Placement Costs
This is a 12-month placement, ideally starting in June/July to allow for a handover with the current volunteer. Estimated essential living and travel costs are in the region of £4200 - £6600. You may apply to EWB-UK for a grant to the majority of the anticipated costs (amount not yet finalised). EWB-UK will support volunteers' efforts to raise additional funds. After the selection process, a breakdown of the placement costs will be made available.
Pre-Departure Requirements
Placement volunteers will meet with their ‘Project Manager’ (a student or recent graduate who has been made responsible for setting up and monitoring the project on behalf of EWB-UK) for an informal project briefing and will be put in touch with the partner organisation. They will be supported by EWB-UK in finding travel insurance, and booking travel, but will be expected to finalise placement dates, accommodation, vaccinations, visa and other details independently.
To make an effective contribution towards EWB-UK's aims for each project in the limited time available, volunteers should be prepared to conduct pre-departure research, and, supported by their Project Manager, contact relevant organisations and individuals for further project support or guidance.
Requirements on Return
Placement volunteers are required to report to EWB-UK during and after the placement. For year-long placements this includes four interim reports, which will be read and commented on by your project manager, and additional email updates. A final evaluation will be discussed with your project manager in a debrief.
Furthermore, returned placement volunteers are actively encouraged to share their knowledge and experiences with other EWB-UK members. They will join a network where they will have opportunities to contribute to future placements or research projects, and give presentations to EWB-UK branches.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
If you have further questions about this placement, or the EWB-UK Placements Programme, please click here to visit our FAQs. You can contact the placements team by following this link.