A 6 month placement which encompasses rural bio-fuel generation, gasification of crop residues, software development for hybrid electricity grids, and development of rural water purification systems. The project will also involve collaboration with a local renewable energy provider, Sunlabob.

What work will I be doing?

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.
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.
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.

Who will I be working for?

LIRE is a Non Profit Association and Sunlabob is a social enterprise and founding partner of LIRE. 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. For more information http://www.lao-ire.org/

What skills or experience do I need?

Required:

• Graduate degree in Engineering or Renewable Energy related subject
• Practical skills and knowledge in the specified project areas
• Ability to think and work practically
• Ability to organise and conduct research and produce reports

Desired:

• Previous experience working/travelling in South-East Asia
• Proven track record of leadership skills and project management

Want more info?

Visit www.lao-ire.org to find out more