A 12 month placement with SIBAT, a Filipino non-governmental organisation developing and installing Community-Based Renewable Energy Systems, including micro-hydro systems, solar PV water pumps and wind turbines.

What work will I be doing?

Over the last 16 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 model aims to ensure a sustainable system through community participation and empowerment. It is seen as an appropriate development tool for isolated rural communities, providing electricity, post harvest agro-processing capabilities or pumped potable water. 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 continue to 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 a volunteer to build upon this work.

This work will include:

• 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

Who will I be working for?

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.

What skills or experience do I need?

Required:

• University or 4th year undergraduate or graduate of Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Experience/knowledge of the ‘Hugh Piggot’ Wind Turbine manufacture and installation, or of electrical systems for Renewable Energy Installations.
• Willingness to learn new languages
• Ability to cope with difficult living/working conditions
• Interest in human development
• Problem solver

Desired:

• Experience of working or living with different cultures / backgrounds
• Experience of voluntary work