International Projects Group - ATA: Alternative … Technology Association International Projects...

Alternative Technology Association

International Projects Group

2008 Renewable Energy Projects

A community based volunteer project to provide renewable energy for light and power and to

provide training and capacity building in renewable technology.

Timor Leste in the districts of Aileu, Atauro, Bacau, Ermera, Liquisa, Oecussi, Same and Suai.

Vanuatu on the Island of Futuna

Alternative Technology Association _________________ _________________________________________International Projects Group

Renewable Energy Projects 2008 ___ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 2

2008 In Summary 3

Partnerships 4

About Us 5

Village Lighting Scheme 6

Training 7

Vanuatu 8

Introducing Solar Power 9

2008 Projects 11

Facts and Figures 18

Project Cycle 19

Whats next and contacts 20

2008 ATA International Projects



This year was another year of growth and change for the Alternative Technology Association’s International Projects Group. The group has been involved in projects big and small in Timor Leste. We have also made a foray into Vanuatu, partnering with the Vanuatu Renewable Energy and Power Association (VANREPA). In Timor, volunteers from the ATA completed the installation of 21 Solar power Systems in Schools, Clinics and Community Centres. A further 10 systems were installed as part of a partnership between the ATA and Suai Youth Centre. ATA Volunteers travelled the length and breadth of Timor, working in 10 of Timor’s 13 Districts. This was A massive commitment by the Australian volunteers. Training and capacity building are an important component of the IPG’s work, and this year we reinforced this by conducting a targeted, 1 week training course for 13 Timorese technicians. This was consolidated by using these technicians throughout our installations in Timor, where they worked alongside the ATA volunteers. This approach proved successful and it is intended to replicate and improve on it, until there are competent technicians in each District of Timor. This technique is obviously working, with previously trained technicians from the Suai Community Centre installing a further 10 systems in Health clinics throughout Covalima. The Village Lighting Scheme also entered its next phase. Currently up to 90 systems have been installed – all by the local community. This project is having a profound effect on the community of Bessilau, reducing the cost of lighting and providing local empowerment and employment. 2008 was a year of consolidation, as new approaches were embedded into the group’s processes. It also saw a number of milestones such as the set up of our first workshop in Dili. Other highlights included participation at the second Australian-Timor Friendship Conference in Dili where the ATA spoke at a session on “Partnerships”. In 2009 the IPG aims to continue its current trajectory. This includes continued commitment to Timor Leste, in particular training and capacity building. Further we aim to develop partnerships and projects in other countries and Australian Indigenous Communities. Thanks for your support in 2008 and we look forward to going forward in partnership. Anton Vikstrom, IPG Project Manager

2008 In Summary



The IPG partners with communities, Australian friendship groups and International NGO’s. We are invited by local communities to deliver sustainable solutions to those who need them. The ATA partnerships range from the procurement of large amounts of subsidised equipment, to the relationship between Australian and Timorese Technicians. Schools, community groups and individuals in Australia also dig deep in their pockets to support projects such as the Village Lighting Scheme or the Permatil Project. The IPG also acts as a conduit to consolidate the friendship partnerships of many Australian-Timor Friendship groups. Through this relationship we have facilitated continued relationships in Maliana, Ainaro, Bageia, Aileu and Suai. These Partnerships are a beautiful thing allowing us to cross cultural divides and work closely with those we would otherwise never meet. The Australian Solar Power Industry are major supporters of our projects and without the support of companies such as Plasmatronics, RF Industries, M + H power and Selectronics our work would not be possible. Other business partners include: Going Solar, Latronics, Exide, Felco, Danahers Mitre 10, Solepurpose Moulding, Bosch, The Environment Shop and Thamesford/SunSure Solar Water Purifiers Individuals and organizations go above and beyond the call of duty to provide services which are invaluable to the IPG. These include people and organizations such as: PLAN International, Rotary DIK, Don Bosco, Garrad Hassan, Center for Appropriate Technology/ Bushlight Power, Applied Research and Development, Maria Viegas (Bea), Paulo da Silva, Mario Soares, Jose Xavier, Chris Adams, Carlos Madrazo, Darryl Mills, Bill Dagg, John O’Donaghue, Geoff Collins and Richard Mounsey.

Project Supporters are those individuals or organizations who through donations or contributions make these projects happen. Contributions range from tens to thousands of dollars and it is these people who ensure that the projects happen. In no particular order we would like to thank:

DCEBT-Rode Rage, Friends Of Aileu, Penleigh And Essendon Grammer School, Friends Of Oecussi, Friends Of Zumalai, Friends Of Ermera, Friends Of Same, Friends Of Suai, Moora Moora Community, Carmelites Of Australia, Jovenes Ter Cer Mundo, Irish Aid, Peter Trust, Ballarat Friends Of Ainaro, Friends Of Maliana, Sydney Secondary College, PLAN International, Youth Of The Streets, Third Ecology, Indigo Arch, Southern Cross Solar, Natural Resource Management Inc, Genesis Now, Saltwater Solar and CETAF (Campaspe East Timor Association in Friendship)

Other IPG Volunteers: Nalini Blacker, Alan McDowell, Wayne Bowers, Mathew Dingle, Elvira Cadan, Meg Batchelor, Ruth McDonald, Bill Bland, Peter McDonald, Chris Halliwell, Katherine Miles, Josh Backwell and Don Batson.

Partnership



The Alternative Technology Association

“The ATA exists to empower our community to develop and share sustainable solutions for the way we live”

With more than 4,000 members, the ATA (Alternative Technology Association) is a major Australian environmental organisation promoting sustainable technology and representing community issues. With branches and members around Australia and New Zealand, ATA provides practical information about harnessing renewable energy sources such as the sun, wind and water. ATA also offers advice on conserving energy, building with natural materials, reducing the use of and recycling natural resources and working with appropriate technology to create a sustainable future.

International Projects Group

The ATA International Projects Group (IPG) was established in 2003 by a group of ATA members interested in assisting low income communities in South East Asia and the Pacific with technologies appropriate to their needs. The aims were to: a) Promote and facilitate the uptake of sustainable/renewable and other appropriate technologies in

developing countries b) Empower communities to make their own decisions on how to improve their quality of life. c) Provide the ATA members and staff with the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and skills to

work on projects of assistance to communities in developing countries.

Members of the IPG are drawn from a variety of backgrounds with a core group possessing skills in solar power and renewable energy and including professionals with experience in electrical system design, training, installation and community development. This skill base combined with industry contacts allow us to deliver projects at low cost and deliver real and tangible benefits to our partner communities.

About Us

2008 International Volunteers Suai/Ainaro/Railako: Alan Hutchinson, Peter Reichelt, Sarah Hoyall, John Kemp, Mary Hutchinson Training/Turaskai: Michael OConnell, Chris Moss Aileu: Mick Harris, David Hewitt Oecussi: Bill Bennett, Oliver Crowder, Patrick Eijsvogel Maliana: Callum Dougal, Nick Stephensen, Brian Bailey Bageia/Lautem: Duncan Macgregor, Shaun Curran, Peter Lewis, Patrick Innes, Sasha Gifford Vanuatu: Oliver Crowder Documenting: Justin Stewart



Background

The Village Lighting Scheme aims to improve the living standards of remote communities in Timor Leste. In the village of Besilau a program is operating to replace polluting light sources with solar powered lighting. Under the scheme each household is receiving two solar powered lights and is contributing to a community fund for the system maintenance and upkeep. The scheme is based on the recognised need that ongoing maintenance and skill transfer is required. Mechanisms are put in place to collect ongoing maintenance fees for reinvestment in system upkeep. Technical knowledge transfers include training in the assembly, installation, maintenance and repair of system components.

The scheme was developed in response to a community request. Phase One of the scheme aimed to investigate the most appropriate approach to the project, including management of power resources and developing technical solutions which are appropriate, easily implemented and are sustainable. The development of the project has been undertaken through a number of consultative mechanisms including one on one interview, mapping exercises, informal meetings, community meetings and input from other similar projects operating in Timor Leste and other countries in the region. The second phase of the project involves a series of consultation meetings and development and implementation of community management.

Implementation

In October 2008 the Second Phase of the project was implemented. Key elements of this included the formation of a Committee of Management, technician training and financial/bookkeeping training. Over one week, ATA volunteers, Mick Harris and David Hewitt worked with local technicians training them in the fundamentals of Solar Power. By the end of the week, these technicians were busy on the roofs and buildings of the Besilau Community installing Solar Power in eligible households. Over 90 systems will be installed during this process. Another 200 households may receive assistance in 2009

This project is a partnership between the Alternative Technology Association, Moora Moora Cooperative, the Friends of Aileu and the Besilau “Lampu Diak” Management committee. The project was implemented on the ground due to the skills and commitment of Staff and Volunteers. A few key people are: Paulo da Silva, Chris Adams, Xavier Jose, Budiman and Augusto Tilman, Peter and Sandra Cock, Richard Brown, Anton Vikstrom, Alan Hutchison, Patrick Eijsvogel, John O’Donaghue, Mick Harris, David Hewitt and Justin Stewart.

Village Lighting Scheme



In 2008 the IPG continued its strong commitment to training and improving the capacity of locals to install and maintain solar power systems. The focus of this year was to combine theoretical knowledge with field based work.

Formal Training – Dili

In September, IPG trainers Michael O’Connell and Chris Moss conducted a training course with technicians from a range of districts where the ATA planned to conduct projects. The formal training from this course was subsequently consolidated by embedding the trainees with IPG teams. The trainees could utilize their formal training on projects in their local communities. This technique is a replication of the successful approach used in the past with the Suai Community centre. The course was held at Don Bosco in Comoro.

Thirteen people participated with all subsequently completing practical training. The IPG is looking forward to working further with these people and to build their skills in renewable energy and fostering the creation of small enterprises in Timorese districts. We are looking forward to working with local training institutions and the Timorese government to consolidate these skills with formal training institutions.

Field Technicians- Village Lighting Scheme

The sustainability of the Village Lighting Scheme is always going to depend on having locals with skills and knowledge to assemble, install, maintain and repair the small lighting systems. In October Mick Harris and David Hewett spent a week with 4 local technicians in Besilau. Over this time, they were introduced to the fundamentals of electricity, safety procedures, assembly of systems (and taking them apart) as well as maintenance and troubleshooting. By the end of the week these technicians were fully assembling and installing the systems. Detailed troubleshooting guides, toolkits and spare parts were provided to the group to ensure that their skills could be exercised without the need for overseas intervention.

Ad Hoc Training – Solar and Environment

With the unique skills of ATA volunteers, opportunities always exist for ad-hoc assistance and training when in the field. This varied from training in load audits and energy conservation for offices in Dili, to bookkeeping training in Besilau. Indeed in every project there is training of system users in understanding and using their solar power system.

Training



Vanuatu This year the IPG partnered with the Vanuatu Renewable Energy and Power Association (VANREPA) to support the implementation of their project called “The Answer is Blowing in the Wind – Improving access to energy services for the communities of Futuna & Aneityum Islands (Vanuatu) using wind technology”

The main activities focused on: i) the installation of wind turbines at key public institutions at communities in Futuna and Aneityum, ii) installation of battery banks with sufficient capacity to enable households to recharge batteries, iii) the establishment of an island focused Renewable Energy Service Cooperative for the management and maintenance of the systems on both Futuna & Aneityum Islands,iv) the setting up of a billing system for the delivery of energy and the rental of efficient lighting kits. The final direct beneficiaries are over 1,100 people. Volunteers from the IPG with complementary skills have been involved in helping select sites and develop appropriate designs for this project. Nalini Blacker, a wind analyst with Garrad Hassan has spent several weeks analysing data to develop the first wind map of Futuna Island, and to comment on the suitability of potential turbine locations. The wind map is being used to select appropriate sites for wind turbines. The wind map raised many interesting issues for VANREPA due to the effects of very steep terrain and dense vegetation on the wind regime, especially including sighting of many systems given the distribution of people across the mountainous island. The desired approach is to set up generation capacity in each of the four populated areas and the wind map is therefore being used to select appropriate sites for wind turbines. This information has been complimented by a field visit by Oliver Crowder.This visit included confirming actual topography and vegetation features as well as discussing mounting systems and other engineering issues with VANREPA and the local community. This work is expected to continue with mapping and site selection activities on nearby Aneityum Island. “It is not an easy task to install reliable turbines and stand-alone power systems in such a remote and rugged location, and keep them operational for years to come between maintenance visits. But with such a well organised and capable community and sharp people it should be possible to get a good result” said Oliver Crowder, IPG Volunteer. This project has evolved through a set of fortunate circumstances. This includes the James Bond like rendezvous when IPG founder Mick Harris, who while on a cruise in Vanuatu received the enigmatic instructions “meet the man in the hat at the end of the runway at 12 noon”. This was possibly heightened by the fact the location was “Mystery Island”. The man in the hat was David Stein a committed renewable energy proponent and founder of VANREPA. This project was made possible through the time and resources of Garrad Hassan and Saltwater Solar.



Sample Load Audit: Est Daily Power ConsumptionItem Computers Printer LightsNo. 3 1 4Type Laptop Laser CFLWatts 25 100 15Hours 7 2 12Watt/hours 525 200 720TOTAL (Watt/hours) 1445

There is a spectrum of complexity with solar power systems. Generally speaking the IPG installs 3 types of systems. The basic attributes of these are described below:

Basic 12V Solar Power Systems

In basic 12V Solar power systems, the energy produced by solar panels during sunny days is stored in batteries (similar but different to car batteries) for later use at night time or in cloudy conditions. A component called a regulator monitors the charging of the battery and fuses/circuit breakers protect the system from fault or fire. Special 12V appliances are used and common uses include lighting, communication radios and laptop computers. In 2008 the ATA installed simple 12V systems with solar arrays between 5W-160W in size. These are commonly installed in health clinics, community centreers and small offices where basic computing is required.

Systems with an Inverter

To increase the utility of the system 220-240V power (equivalent to town power) is needed. An appliance called an inverter converts the energy stored in the batteries (12-48V DC) into more usable 220-240V AC power. Generally these systems are larger in size than basic 12V systems. To increase the size of the systems more solar panels and batteries are combined and larger capacity components are used (eg larger panels or regulators). In 2008 the ATA installed simple inverter systems with solar arrays between 160W-320W in size. These systems are used in any buildings where reliable electricity is required.

Hybrid Systems

When existing power supplies are available, or severe loads are experienced then a hybrid system can be appropriate. A hybrid system consists of a solar PV array, batteries and regulator. However the system can also run off another power source usually a diesel generator. The generator may be site specific and/or be the town power (often the case in East Timor). The generator is connected to the battery bank through a battery charger. Some systems are designed to automatically switch between the town power and solar power so the power supply is seamless. In 2008 the ATA installed hybrid systems with solar arrays between 400W-960W in size.

Designing for Solar Power

The basis of designing a solar power system is by conducting a “load audit”. This documents the likely

Introducing Solar Power



BASIC SOLAR POWER SYSTEM SYSTEM WITH INVERTER: ADD INVERTER AND 240V APPLIANCES

HYBRID SYSTEM: ADD BATTERY CHARGER AND GENERATOR

power usage of the appliances in a building. This information is used to calculate the number of solar panels and size of batteries and other components. This is where the art and science of solar power design is conducted - ensuring that appropriate components are specified and combined to provide for the likely set of energy use scenarios. The ATA has spent a lot of time and effort refining the design, procurement and installation of systems to ensure the community receives robust and functional solar power systems. Solar Power differs from generator power because there is a limited energy supply. As a result energy efficiency and energy management are crucial to system function. Efficiency considerations include using appropriate appliances, turning off equipment when not in use and energy efficient lighting.

Solar For Computing

Different computers use vastly different amounts of power. As a result we recommend laptop computers that generally consume 20-40W of power compared with 150-300W used by desktop computers.



Project Name: PLAN International – Aileu Admin Office power

Aim: Reliable power supply for office facilities. Project Partner: PLAN International. Ever conscious of protecting the environment, PLAN has gone one step further than most and turned its Aileu district office green – by switching to solar power. The solar power system is designed to run office equipment such as computers and printers. It’s called a “hybrid system” whereby solar panels charge batteries during the day so that when the irregular town power supply is off the office automatically switches to running from solar power instead and even charges the batteries some more. The system was installed by the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), an Australian NGO which has been operating in Timor Leste for 5 years. Anton Vikstrom, International Projects Manager at ATA, said, “It’s great to improve the work of PLAN Timor-Leste as this reliable supply of power will help staff do their work and also reduce emissions from diesel generators”. PLAN’s District Coordinator for Aileu, Fernando Araujo, explained, “Before we would often have to work without electricity because the generator was noisy and also expensive to run. This really affected some of our work because we couldn’t use our computers. Now that we have solar power we’re combating both of these problems and also reducing PLAN’s carbon footprint”.

Project Name: Lequidoe Wind Data Logging

Aim: Recording wind power data. Project Partner: Campaspe East Timor Association in Friendship. To improve the type of data collected from the Lequidoe Wind power installation, a data logger was installed in June 2008. This collects information on wind speed and direction. The first 3 months of data have been collected and is currently being analysed.

2008 Projects

Aileu District



Ainaro district Project Name: Foho-Ai-Lico Health Out-Post

Aim: To improve health service delivery by providing basic lighting and distilled water. Project Partner: Ballarat Friends of Ainaro. The Foho-Ai-Lico Health Out-Post is a critical service for this outlying area of Hatu Udo sub-district in the District of Ainaro, a mountainous region of central south Timor Leste. Foho-Ai-Lico has a significant population of 6,800 people so the health outpost is well attended by many people attending including local women giving birth. Reliable power is particularly needed and crucial as many women give birth during the night and as an outlying area there is no alternative source of power available. The Out-Post is staffed by one midwife and an assistant but due to the high demands and health needs of the local community there are plans to supply another nurse next year. A Thamesford Solar Water Purifier was also donated by SunSure Water to the clinic. The purified water will be used for medical purposes in an area where clean water is hard to find, and essential to medical service.

Baucau District Project Name: Baguia School Power

Aim: Providing power for computing facilities at secondary school. Project Partner: Youth Off the Streets Overseas Relief Fund. We arrived into Baguia at nightfall, and received the warmest, kindest welcome we could have ever hoped for. I’m still unsure how communication is conducted in East Timor, but to my amazement, the entire town seemed to be expecting us! Our installation at the Computer Learning Centre connsisted of installing a 24VDC 330AH battery bank with an auto-changeover switch and battery charger. Also joining us on the job was Mario and Mateus who ran Baguia’s generator and was the EDTL electricity man about town. The job went smoothly, and by the end of the second day of installation we had the system completed and running the 9 laptops (supplied from the Charity ‘Youth off the Streets’ from Sydney). Town power is available each night from 7 to midnight, and supplements the charging of the batteries. We could have spent a month in Baguia as there was so much to do. Our dedicated team then went to work on other electrical quirks around the school/orphanage and town. Shaun Curran, a communications



specialist was asked to assist in repairing the police radio that had been out of action for 12 months. Shaun re-appeared soon after with the verdict – the wire from the radio had become disconnected from the battery running it! It highlighted the simplicity of some of the problems we face and the ease with which they can be fixed – with the right tools. Duncan Macgregor, IPG team Leader

Project Name: Baguia Administration Power

Aim: Provide power for office administration at Baguia. Project Partner: Friends of Baguia. This project occurred through the enthusiasm of AVI volunteer Margaret Norris and DIT trainee Oscar Antonio Martins Belo. While not originally on the schedule of works for 2008, a basic system was pieced together and installed by our trainee, Oscar. With the oversight of ATA volunteers this system was installed quickly and is successfully powering computers and printers.

Bobonaro District

Project Name: Maliana District Schools: 3 installations at Sabarai, Nunanto, Unamo

Aim: To provide reliable power to remote schools. Power is used for night classes, computing and other educational activities where no other power is available. Location: Project Partner: Leichart Friends of Maliana and Sydney Secondary College.

Project Name: Maliana Town Schools and Library: 3 installations

Aim: To provide power for laptop computers at the town library and 2 schools. These computers are being donated by the Friends of Maliana. Project Partner: Leichart Friends of Maliana and Sydney Secondary College. “Firstly I would like to thank the ATA and the Leichhardt Community on support the Solar power to friends of Maliana. Also I want to thank the three brothers, Callum, Bryan and Nic for the professional job



to put all panels ready during one week with my accompany, and also the local technician Mr Antonio Soares. Everyone is happy, and on behalf them I want to express my sincere gratitude for you all.” Joao Vicente , Liaison, Maliana Friendship Council, Maliana. “The road to Saburai passed within a kilometre of the West Timor border and traced a steep, rocky path to the remote school. Our arrival brought a flood of kids running out to the school yard, with the group mesmerised by our activities well into the afternoon. The systems were greeted with enthusiasm and Senor Joao was on call for a speech thanking all involved, both present and abroad” Nick Stephensen, IPG Volunteer.

Covalima District

Project Name: Zumalai Carmelites Compound

Aim: Provide reliable power for the function of the entire Carmalite compound. This included providing lighting for the following buildings: Youth Centre, Church, School, Kitchen, Dining Room, Workshop, 2 Carmelite Houses, 2 Boarding Houses and a study. And to provide power points for a laptop and desktop computer, television, phone chargers, new small bar refrigerator, satellite dish.

Project Partner: Carmelites of Australia.

This was a large installation with two identical systems installed on the same compound. The systems were duplicated, because the compound was very dispersed. Moreover, the equipment sizing was maximised by the pairing of systems. This was a successful installation as testified by the director of the compound. “Now we are happy because Carmelite compound in Zumalai community have light for 24 hour and easy for us not to pay diesel and gasoline for the generator and did not have many noise of generator in the night. Solar panel is good work. Until now, we did not have problem with solar panel. Thank you very much for you, Br Sean Keefe, Shane Curran, Richard, Peter Gloag, Mare Gloag, Joan, Simon and all Volunteer ATA: Alan and Mary Hutchinson, Peter Reichart, Sarah Hoyall, John Kemp, because you work very hard for the lighting on Carmelite Compound in Zumalai.” Antonio Olavio Exposto, O.Carm, Director of Carmelite Project East Timor.



Project Name: Suai Community Radio Upgrade

Aim: To improve the delivery of community radio by the upgrading of Solar Power facilities at the community radio station in Covalima. Project Partner: Friends of Suai. The previously installed solar power system was doubled in capacity and new batteries installed. The system was also upgraded to run completely on 240V power. Local technician Graciano worked closely with the team and a range of energy efficiency approaches implemented. Now the broadcast can go out to the districts at morning and night ensuring that important information can reach the distant districts.

Project Name: Suai Community and Youth Centre Upgrade

Aim: Improve the quality of power at the youth and community centres by upgrading existing solar facilities. Project Partner: Friends of Suai. These systems power the administrative hubs that are the youth and community centre. These buildings are the source of many innovative projects in the Covalima District. In total the upgrades saw 320w of new solar capacity installed to power computing and lighting.

Project Name: Suai Health Clinics Basic lighting

Aim: To improve health service delivery by providing basic lighting – 10 Installations. Project Partner: Irish Aid and Friends of Suai. “Ten Aid posts in sub-districts have at least one attendant and sometimes two - none in town centre. The district health representative requested consideration for lighting at the 10 health outposts in Covalima as a high priority. The need is for at least one to two lights”. This was the request from the friends of Suai to the ATA. This project aims to meet key community needs, namely access to basic health care including lighting for emergency procedures – such as delivering babies. Another outcome will be any outside solar lighting at the Health Aid Post will provide a light for community gatherings which may not otherwise be available. The project was a direct partnership between the Suai Community Center and the ATA. With the ATA



sourcing materials, shipping and documentation and the Suai community Centreer organising local implementation and commissioning. A proposal was put to the Irish Aid agency and a small grant along with co-financing from the Friends of Suai are making this project possible.

Ermera District Project Name: Railako School Power

Aim: The provision of solar power for a senior secondary school to enable village children to gain an alternative education e.g. computing, sewing. Project Partner: PETER Trust. “A wonderful event took place last Monday, apart from it being the first day of school. Through a donation from Fr Pat Smythe’s Peter Trust (England) and the work of Alternative Technology Association based in Melbourne, we now have solar power installed. This is in one area of the school only, but it will enable us to power computers and electric sewing machines and we will thus be able to provide some alternative to solely academic subjects for the students. This is exciting for Railako. As well as the above donors we are extremely grateful to St Mary, Star of the Sea College in Wollongong, for the fantastic gift of laptop computers and to Rotary for our electric sewing machines. The computers are on a pallet and we now await their welcome arrival!” Eileenrita Hayes, Railako Mission Station

Lautem District

Project Name: Fuiloro School Power

Aim: Provide a reliable power supply for the technical elements of the Fuiloro training School, Including computer and sewing training facilities. Project Partner: Jovenes Ter Cer Mundo. Fuiloro has one of East Timor’s largest training schools, with a boys’ agricultural college and a girls’ training college on two adjacent campuses operated by Don Bosco. The solar system came about after a report was completed by Anton for the Spanish NGO Jovenes Ter Cer Mundo, in May of this year. The school was increasing its use of computers and it saw that solar electricity would reduce the fuel cost of the (large) generator. It is a very well organised college, well stocked with computers, and even a three-phase generator! The wiring at the girls’ school, where the solar system was to be installed, to power the computer centre, was of the highest standard we have seen in East Timor. We had to raise the bar to



ensure our install was of at least equal neatness and quality. I don’t think the team left the Sisters disappointed, as the team conducted the tidiest work I have seen. The greatest challenge we faced was wiring our system into an existing three-phase power supply into the computer room wired directly from the 50kVA generator. Patrick Innes demonstrated his electrical knowledge and skill in working out a solution to enable the system to operate without unbalancing the phases supplied into the classroom. Duncan MacGregor, IPG Team Leader

Manufahi District Project Name: Permatil Training Institutes

Aim: Provide basic lighting for two Permatil training centres. Project Partner: ATA and Permatil. Permatil needs to conduct training courses during the night time, it also needs to charge laptop computers. To do so they wanted a sustainable source of electricity – hence solar power. Permatil and the ATA worked together to provide power for 2 training institutions. The installations will become a local demonstration site for training Permatil course attendees in the use and function of solar power. Total population in Aldeia Raelete is 310 (female: 145 and male: 165 people) and Aldeia Laclo is 583 (female: 286 and male: 297 people). Now the light is installed, the training center has become a focus of local community activity. Activities include education- night classes, study, radio, meetings, community gatherings and film shows. Local women and children will be involved in all of these activities.

Oecussi District Project Name: Community Centre Lighting.

Aim: Provide basic lighting to facilitate local community development. This project aims to provide basic lighting in community centres. The systems were installed at the Topu Honis Orphanage, and the Usapicoien B Meeting House. A previously installed system in Sacato was moved to a new Community Centreer. These projects were met with significant local enthusiasm. Oecussi is the site of one of the ATA’s longest standing relationships in Timor Leste and Anton Cabal (a technician) also attended the formal training course in Dili. The ATA has an aim of providing basic lighting to the communities in each of Oecussi’s sub districts. These 2 installations go a way to completing this.



Project Name

ZUMALAI Carmalites Compound

JOVENES School

RAILAKO School

PLAN Office AILEU

Remote Maliana Schools

Maliana Schools and Library

Oecussi Comm. Centres

AINARO Health Clinic

PERMATIL Lighting

Suai Radio Upgrade

Suai Community Centre and Youth centre upgrades

Bageia School

Bageia Admin Centre

Suai Clinics x 10

SYSTEM TYPEHybrid System

Hybrid System

Hybrid System

Hybrid System

Solar System with Inverter

Basic 12V System

Basic 12V System

Basic 12V System

Basic 12V System


Additional Solar capacity

Hybrid System


Basic 12V System

PANELS800W arrays

960W array

480W array

400W array

320W Array 40W 50W

160W Array 80W 960W 320W

480W Array

160W array 40W

BATTERY CAPACITY 330Ah 660Ah 200Ah 400Ah 100Ah 70Ah 70Ah 100Ah 100Ah 400Ah N/A 200Ah 100Ah 70AhSYSTEM VOLTAGE 24V 24V 24V 12V 24V 12V 12V 12V 12V 24V 24V 24V 12V

INVERTER TYPE WM 1700WWM 1700W

WM 1700W LD600W LD700W

12V Laptop Charger N/A N/A N/A

WM 1700W N/A

WM 1700W LD250

Notes2 x Identical Systems

3 x Identical Systems




Upgrade existing system



Item 2008 Estimate*Solar and Wind Equipment (retail price est) 131,392$ Freight Costs 6,000$ Travel and Accomodation (ATA supported) 16,707$ Travel and Accomodation (Volunteer burden) 19,500$ Project Planning (Part Time Project Manager) 44,000$ Project Implementation (1376 hrs @ 35 hr) 48,160$ Office Expences and Warehousing 8,000$ Local Support 8,000$ Total 281,759$ *This is an estimate of the retail value of the goods and services delivered through IPG projects.

It does not represent actual expenditure due to the significant use of volunteer labor and donated equipment

2008 Facts and Figures

Total Number of Installations: 31 Including Village Lighting Scheme: 121 2008 Installed Solar Capacity: 7.4 Kw Total Installed Solar Capacity since 2003: 16.5 Kw

Estimated project value at conservative retail values

2008 Solar Project Details

The IPG develops projects with reference to our project cycle. The cycle consists of 8 key steps:

STEP 1: Project Identification: Communities, partners or IPG members can nominate potential projects for inclusion in the IPG “Potential Projects” database. This list is continuously updated.

STEP 2: Expression of Interest: Project proponents complete a project “Expression of Interest”. This form documents the project outline, beneficiaries, partners and outcomes.

STEP 3: Project Development and Feasibility Assessment: Based on the Expression of Interest form, further research is undertaken regarding the project. This research will assess issues regarding feasibility such as site location, system requirements, sustainability, logistics, timing, complexity and funding arrangements. Project development is a two way process with the IPG and project proponents working together to develop a system that is acceptable to all with regards to system design, implementation and funding.

STEP 4: Assessment Using Project Support Criteria: The IPG cannot assist all projects. We have limited time and resources to implement our projects. Using the Expression of Interest form and the Feasibility Assessment, projects are selected which meet the IPG objectives and according to the following criteria: a) Project uses appropriate technology; b) Community involvement in project selection, construction and maintenance; c) Likelihood of sustainable outcomes; d) Difficulty of implementation; e) Funding availability; f) Timing.

STEP 5: Project Development: Projects that have been selected are further developed with regards to technical, logistical and funding arrangements.

STEP 6: Project Implementation: Project implementation commences with the first system procurement. Other implementation activities include transport and shipping, logistics, travel, construction, installation, testing, training and reporting. Training is an essential component of project implementation and a variety of system users need to be trained using appropriate language training materials.

STEP 7: Ongoing Energy System Management: The project beneficiary is responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the installed system. However the IPG has committed itself to ongoing care of installed systems and is prepared to be involved in maintenance and repair activities on an “as needed” basis.

Project Cycle

Alternative Technology Association ________________________________________________________International Projects Group

East Timor Renewable Energy Projects 2008 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________- 20

STEP 8: Reporting, Review and Assessment: Continual improvement requires a dedication to project reporting, review and assessment. Each project has a completion report prepared. This report is consolidated into the yearly project report. Processes and projects are reviewed at the end of the calendar year and recommendations implemented in the subsequent project cycle.

Carbon Footprint

It is estimated that ATA projects will deliver 30MWh of low emission solar energy over the next year. This clean green energy has not been sold for carbon credits to polluting industries. Tthe negative emissions generated by IPG projects are kept in trust and are an investment in the global future. The great thing about solar projects is that the emissions profile of developing countries can remain low. In terms of electricity production, many Timorese are developing without creating greenhouse emissions! In 2008, an IPG Volunteer, Katherine Mills, undertook research into measuring carbon emissions and reductions for the types of projects the IPG undertakes. These methodologies are being tested and the IPG may use this to improve the viability of future projects. All airfares purchased by the ATA have been offset under the Climate positive program http://www.climatepositive.org

2009 What next?

In 2009 the IPG will explore opportunities available for the group to continue and enhance its work in renewable and appropriate technology in East Timor and beyond. Key areas that the IPG will focus on include:

Training and Capacity Building including local base staff; Household lighting and Village Lighting Schemes; Wind power site identification, logging and installation; Working with Indigenous communities; and Solar installations in other countries – potentially Vanuatu, PNG or Solomon Islands.

Contact Anton Vikstrom Project Manager International Projects Group Level 1/39 Little Collins Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: +61 3 96315416, Fax: +61 3 96395814, Email: [email protected] http://www.ata.org.au/about/projects/international-project

International Projects Group - ATA: Alternative … Technology Association International Projects...

Documents

Transcript of International Projects Group - ATA: Alternative … Technology Association International Projects...