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How do SHS address the basic needs of rural communities?. ALL THE PARTCIPANTS NAMES Energy and Development Research Centre University of Cape Town. Workshop objectives. Identify key challenges / issues Creative Solutions Share information
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How do SHS address the basic needs of rural communities? ALL THE PARTCIPANTS NAMES Energy and Development Research CentreUniversity of Cape Town
Workshop objectives • Identify key challenges / issues • Creative Solutions • Share information • Assist PPC to contribute to development of policy & legislation
Framework for identifying key challenges • Driver of Off-Grid Solar Electrification: Integration of Electrification programme by government, supported by Global Environmental Politics • Means of delivery: • 1 - Off-grid Concession/utility fee-for-service. • 2 - Donor driven: Folovhodw • Sustainability of delivery • Participation • Awareness/education • Tech-transfer • Service standards
Framework for identifying key challenges 1 • Expected outcomes - Key challenges • Poverty Alleviation • Productive activity/income creation • Lessen burden of women • Health benefits • Local environmental benefits • Job creation • Media access • Basic needs
Framework for identifying key challenges 2 • Community experiences regarding expected outcomes
Burden on women • Fuelwood collection • Cooking • Satisfying household energy needs
Media application • Access to media: TV, radio • Educational Programmes • News • Entertainment
Awareness / Education • Extended study time – has there been an improvement in the pass rate? • Level of quality of information given by Service Provider • Do people know the type of SHS available and solar appliances • Access to affordable solar appliances
Participation • Community involvement in project – do they know the type of service they are entitled to? • How were local stakeholders approached / involved in the project? Community facility or individual facility?
Technological change • Complex technology – an effective service supplier infrastructure is required. • Technology transfer and innovation should include the capacity to use and adapt the technology to suit local conditions (warping panels). • Level of infrastructure of Service Provider to maintain systems • Need adequate standards to protect rural customers.
Poverty alleviation • Surveyed homes are those that have stable income, typically wage or pension. • Are target users being reached? • The service payment agreement means that household may be locked into an “energy debt” • Cost per kWh higher than that of grid. • Undermines peoples’ financial ability to cope in periods of hardship (crop failures, floods, etc.)
Income generating activities • Increased possibilities of local production / business? E.g sewing, etc. • Job creation • Possibilities of local production of PV panels. • Has the technology expanded choices and decreased dependence on agricultural activities. E.g crop drying / processing
Environmental • Health Indoor air pollution from paraffin use Cooking done indoors Accidents related to fuel use • Local environment Deforestration – soil erosion? Surveyed people use dead wood easier to carry and burn SHS polluting components if handled incorrectly needs consideration
Environmental cont… Batteries have a life expectancy of 4-5 years and contains hazardous material that needs to be recycled (lead and acid) Process of producing panels use non-renewable sources like quartz, water, titanium and workers and exposed to potential health hazards.
Global environmental politics • Climate change used as an argument • PV in rural areas an effective CC mitigation strategy • Development assistance programmes are promoting PV technology • Creating a profitable market for PV systems in donor countries.