Partner Organisation:  Appropriate Rural Technology Institute (ARTI)

Title of Placement:       Rural energy production from biogas

Location:                       Phaltan, India

Start date:                    1st July 2009

Duration:                      3 months

No. of volunteers:        2   

A 3 month placement with a mid-size NGO that promotes rural development in Maharashtra, central India. This is a research and development based placement investigating the effectiveness of biogas electricity generating systems. 

What work will I be doing?

The purpose of this project is to improve the living conditions of rural communities by the provision of electricity and reduction of fuel expenditure. This is to be achieved through reducing the fuel consumption of engines used for electricity generation and/or water pumping, by displacing the volume of required fuel with very cheaply produced biogas.

The placement will involve the testing of a generation-set when run off biogas produced by an anaerobic digester previously developed by ARTI which is fed on starch or sugary feedstock (rotten fruit or veg, kitchen waste, waste flour, spoilt grain). Initially working on the system at ARTI, the volunteers will be working towards implementation of similar systems for use by small local businesses and farms in the surrounding area. The volunteers will also be involved with assessing the economic feasibility this technology.  

Who will I be working for?

ARTI is an NGO that aims to develop and transfer innovative technologies to rural people of India. Established in April 1996, it has become renowned for developing sustainable rural technologies, and striving to improve rural peoples lives through projects ranging from generating income,  the creation of small businesses, making traditional rural businesses more profitable, and creating a healthier environment inside the home through the development and implementation of cleaner burning cook stoves.

The organisation has two centres, the main one in Pune, and a training centre in Phaltan, where the volunteers will be working. There are approximately 15 technical staff and 10 assistants working at the training centre. The NGO's mechanical engineer will assist and provide guidance for the project.  

What skills or experience do I need?

Required:

• Motivated, resourceful and practically minded person
• University undergraduate or graduate with some basic knowledge of anaerobic digestion, biogas and IC engines.  

Desired:

• Intention of learning basic Marathi or Hindi prior to placement