A Happy New Year to you all (though decidedly late!)
The good news is that Empower is moving to bigger and better things! After the Biogas Project in Sri Lanka, I have been lucky enough to be part of the School of Social Entrepreneurs programme in Sydney. Highly recommended for those of you who are interested in starting up projects/organisations that transcend philanthropy.
I will be focusing on Empower Inc. on a part-time basis, with the intention of scaling it up to focus on more holistic development projects and having professional systems in place. It will be very challenging and there is much uncertainty ahead....but I can't help but feel that this is what I was meant to do. I will spare you a long ramble. Our website is under development and will be accessible in 2-3 weeks tops. www.empowerprojects.org
A hint at what we're up to:
Malawi - We've partnered with the University of Mzuzu in Malawi and are currently discussing concepts for a holistic community development project that will target 10-20 rural households. We're working towards using sustainable technology to address energy, income, agriculture, water access, health and sanitation needs. Very exciting!
Sri Lanka - We're also exploring the possibility of a small scale dendro (biomass) power plant in Sri Lanka. This would involve a collaborative community effort as they'd help action a sustainable plan to grow and harvest gliricidia (a nitrogen fixing plant) to fuel power-generation (almost carbon neutral). This would generate income for the community and improve their agricultural productivity. The generated power would be sold to the national grid and the profits would be proportionately split between the Energy Forum, Empower and the community.
Future Updates: We'll continue to maintain this blog for more detailed accounts of how our projects are progressing. Likely maintaining individual blogs for each project we embark on. A special thank you goes out to the original Empower team. This wouldn't have been possible without your support. Thanks for sparing your time and energy...above all thanks for believing in Empower!
I must apologise for the delay in posting this entry. I have been extremely busy since my return to Sydney. Without further adieu...here are the details of what was an extremely rewarding project visit to Kirigalpotha.
Prior to setting off to Badulla, I arranged a meeting with Mr. Asoka Abeygunawardana of the Energy Forum. We met for the first time and discussed the status of the project and the state of renewable energy initiatives in Sri Lanka. Mr. Abeygunawardana is a passionate advocate for renewable energy and has even published an important book (which I received a copy of) on the unsustainable use of coal and oil for power generation in Sri Lanka.
I was introduced to Ms. Wathsala Herath, the Energy Forum's Admin Officer as well as Mr. Dassanayake and Mr. Samarakoon - two key figures in mobilizing village communities when the Energy Forum initiates projects. The process of explaining renewable energy, the style of conversation employed, gaining trust and becoming an "insider" are all crucial aspects of the mobilization process I was told. We made arrangements for the trip (two days) - 31st July - 1st August.
We set off at 7am on the 31st. We visited a few projects that the Energy Forum has been a part of. I will elaborate on these technologies in a separate post as I’m sure you are all anxious to hear about Kirigalpotha…as opposed to me rambling on about renewable tech!
We spent the night in the town of Badulla which was a hive of activity given that provincial council elections were around the bend. It’s a strange time – often the only time politicians are seen in these parts.
We set off for Kirigalpotha in the morning. Surreal would be the most appropriate word to describe how I felt upon entering the village of Kirigalpotha. I felt like I was entering a by-gone era as the Jeep turned off the last tarred road. A maze of greenery, imposing rocks and a narrow dirt track guided us through to the humble hamlets of Kirigalpotha. A small gathering welcomed us, a little boy from the village greeted me in traditional Sri Lankan style (dressed in white and the exchanged betel leaves - unfortunately he was very camera shy). I was touched by the warmth of their welcome. There was certainly an atmosphere of peace and one could feel the presence of nature all around - the sound of the river in the distance and the village was lush with greenery.
The first order of the day was for Mr. Samarakoon to guide me through the operation of the Biogas system. This is the largest plant-based biogas digester in Sri Lanka - it is also the very first to be implemented at a community level. All others are prototypes in universities/companies. Mr. Samarakoon also took the opportunity to run a demonstration for the families that were already connected to the system ( 4 households with another 5 due to be connected shortly). All installation was complete and the Biogas holder was at about 1/2 its total capacity when I visited the site. Mr. Samarakoon suggested that the whole system could operate at full capacity two weeks after (it's running at full capacity now).
The digester that was constructed with our funding is about 5-6meters in length and allows for a large quantity of plant matter (any kind...wet/dry...even manure can be put in) to be fed in through an inlet. The whole unit is water sealed in order to expedite decomposition which creates the all important Biogas. An outlet at the other end of the digester produces (almost a 1:1 conversion ratio) nitrate rich compost which can be used as a fertilizer.
Mr. Samarakoon explained the merits of the system to the community once more, particularly in terms of sustainability and the production of fertilizer. He moved on to demonstrate how the biogas passes through special tubing, into a gas holder. This is essentially a concrete structure in the ground resembling a well - filled with water and a plastic storage tank is submerged in it. This plastic storage tank is where the gas collects and moves on to the generator room once enough gas has been created.
The generator room is a small room that houses the circuitry for distribution, a gas filter and of course...the generator. The gas that comes from the digester contains trace amounts of Hydrogen Sulphide which is toxic. The gas filter ensures that the gas is purified and is thus safe for all concerned - Mr. Samarakoon explained that maintenance was simply a matter of cleaning the steel balls in the system with kerosene once in a while. Mr. Samarakoon and a member of the community then proceeded to turn the system on. One has to check if a sufficient level of gas is present (given that the very first cycle of has production takes 30 days) by lighting the end of the gas tube. A strong flame indicates that there is sufficient methane for the generator to run. After that, a little petrol and kerosene go into the generator to help start the process.
They turned the generator on, it wasn't as noisy as I expected it to be and I was told that it's a new Honda unit. While we gave the generator a few minutes to get into swing, Mr. Samarakoon explained that the circuitry ensured that voltage was regulated at 240V and that there was no excess gas going into the system. The electricity output is then carried through standard wiring into each of the households.
Ahh… then there was the moment the bulb came on. How many times have we just switched a light on without much thought? There was something so profound about this moment. I captured the moment on camera and though it took a fraction of second for the light to turn on...it felt like it was much longer. I couldn't help but reflect on the efforts of everyone at the Energy Forum, my friends and colleagues back in Sydney....all narrowing down to the pivotal flick of a switch. In case any of you are curious...that bulb is just a test-bulb, the rest are energy saving (CFL) bulbs. We’re looking at 6-8 hours of electricity a day – 2 hours in the morning and the balance after 6pm.
This symbolic moment was followed by conversation over breakfast. Mind you...we did have breakfast before coming to the village. The community was so generous that I did not have the heart to refuse :) I could barely move afterwards!
Breakfast was followed by a community gathering. I feel I must explain the setup in place here – the Energy Forum recently won an award in Japan for this system. As mentioned in previous posts, a consumer society was formed in Kirigalpotha. This is a formal, registered organisation comprising of all of the current beneficiaries (others may join in voluntarily) and is tasked with the management of the biogas generation unit. The Energy Forum has formed such consumer societies across various energy projects in Sri Lanka and now has a network of consumers which is calls “The Federation”. Representatives from each consumer society meet at least once a year – this system has allowed for standards on maintenance and managing a consumer society to be established. Thus the community in Kirigalpotha has had an established blueprint to work with.
The primary tasks involve appointing an operator to see to the running of the digester. The purchase of small amounts of kerosene and petrol for the generator. Most importantly, the consumer society collects a monthly rental fee from each household using the supply. The sum is decided by the consumer society (usually ranging between AUD $2-5) and they made decide to pay the operator as well. The beauty of this system is that it’s entirely self-managed and is fully participative in that the community decides on the specific issues e.g. monthly rental. This monthly rental is deposited into the society’s bank account and is allowed to accumulate as a maintenance fund. Families who join after the initial installation may be charged a slightly higher rate as they didn’t have to go through the hardships of installation. This system is particularly effective as continuous communal saving in this manner can allow the society to be financially sustainable and look towards funding community projects of its own. That said, as stated by Mr. Samarakoon…they believe in long-term relationships and insisted that the Energy Forum does not view its work as being complete.
The community gathering was more a less a formal mechanism to thank the Energy Forum and Empower. A government officer, who was present, told us that he was impressed by the manner in which the project was conducted. A village elder and the secretary of the consumer society expressed their gratitude for the opportunity they had been given to improve their quality of life. Mr. Dassanayake of the Energy Forum stressed on the efforts of the community itself. As to be expected, there was much skepticism about the viability of generating electricity from plants! The families that persisted with the idea and trusted the Energy Forum’s vision had to labour hard to clear the land and fill the digester – often neglecting their fields and livelihoods in the process.
I spoke to the gathering briefly (my Sinhala not being the best in the world!)…I told them that we didn’t view this project as being charity but as being an opportunity to help improve the community’s ability to improve their standard of living. I explained to them beforehand that Empower comprised of individuals from various nationalities and backgrounds – many of whom had little knowledge of Sri Lanka. I expressed that our main interest was sustainability and to see this community thrive from here on. This was followed by a few of the residents insisting that I bring my colleagues from Australia next time :)
I have said much but I didn’t want to skimp out on what was a very significant visit. I conducted a few interviews and the general sentiment I sensed was that of great optimism and gratitude. I will be editing all the clips over the next two weeks. One sensed that there was a cause for them to rally around and a framework for cooperation. There was a formal request for a simple walkway to be built across the river that divides the village. While I didn’t flat out refuse to look into it, I did suggest that we could only really help them develop their financial capacity. One has to realize that these people have long been neglected and as a consequence their perception of their own power to bring about change and development is limited. The consumer society is a invaluable first step for this village in terms of gaining independence and developing their capacity.
I left after a late lunch – another generous preparation by the community. There was unmistakable warmth and sincerity amongst all those I spoke to. I couldn’t help but wish that my team was there to witness all that we have achieved in less than 2 years.
In terms of the project overall – the Energy Forum has secured most of its funding for the 2nd digester. They aim to commence installation within the next month while evaluating the unit in the 1st hamlet. Smooth operation till 2010 ought to determine if this new biogas technology is truly viable and sustainable – there on we can look towards proliferating this model across the island and perhaps overseas.
I got in touch with Nilantha from the Rural Enterprise Network and he is keen on partnering with Empower to develop the financial capacity of the community in Kirigalpotha. Their current proposal for a fruit dehydration facility seems promising and I was able to clarify certain concerns that I had regarding their initial proposal. The next month will see us working towards finalizing an agreement in order for us to proceed with this aspect of the project. For now I have insisted that REN coordinates with Mr. Dassanayake of the Energy Forum as he has a wealth of information on the community and has earned their respect over the last year.
That’s all for now folks. This has been epic…but necessary I hope! A big thank you to everyone who has helped Empower over the last two years! Each one of you have played a crucial role and you have literally changed the lives of a community for the better. You can all take pride in that. That said, our work isn’t done….to the contrary…this is the beginning :)
Things are going well with the project ...on many fronts.
- Installation on the first digester has been completed and is currently being tested and filled. Asoka from the Energy Forum tells me that they hope to have electricity being generated within July.
- The best piece of news is that USAID - via SARI/Energy have agreed to contribute USD 7,000 towards the second biogas digester. Therefore a second digester is now a confirmed reality.
This also dramatically reduces the Empower Team's need to focus on covering costs and allows us to focus on income generation strategies and project evaluation.
- The Rural Enterprise Network are expected to submit their proposal for the village of Kirigalpotha within the next week. This will serve as a platform for capacity building and income generation that will complement electricity generation.
- I will be in Sri Lanka from the 4th of July to the 7th of August. I will be meeting with all our project partners and visiting Kirigalpotha. Expect plenty of footage :)
- Finally, Empower plans to host a fund raising event in September-October (Sydney) once the remaining project costs have been finalized.
A special thank you goes out to all my team members for all their support. I hope all your exams went well ! Time to rest :)
We shall be in touch with regard to the proposed income generation strategy and organising a fundraiser in the coming months.
I hope this finds you well. Thank you for your continued support. The month of April was particularly productive, all construction spare the finishing touches is complete (due to heavy rains). Electricity generation is due to commence after a 30 day cycle within June as initially planned. The featured pictures were in the last email I received from the Energy Forum.
(Beneficiraries)
Our funding stands at just over AUD$10,000 with more expected to come through. The team will be transferring a minimum of AUD$ 10,000 within the next week to assist Energy Forum with the costs of installation. Any additional funds raised will go towards a second digester and/or income generation schemes for the community.
(Biogas Digester)
Asoka of the Energy Forum has informed me that his organisation has applied for part-funding from USAID (for the second digester). This would greatly increase our chances of building a 2nd digester and allow us to focus on the income generation aspect of the project.
(Biogas Digester)
On that note, we have contacted the Rural Enterprise Network in Sri Lanka and they have expressed interest in submitting a proposal to us in terms of assisting Kirigalpotha improve its financial capacity. We’ll be exploring this and new partnerships over the next month. Among the big considerations prior to my trip to Sri Lanka will be fund raising, the team is looking towards organising a dinner or a high tea in order to generate further funding over the next two months.
It's been a busy month at both ends. The Energy Forum and residents of the Pitawela hamlet have excavated the construction site for the Biogas Digester. Construction of the Digester is estimated to be completed within the month. During April the digester will be loaded with paddy straw and leaves to initiate the first cycle for Biogas production. The cycle is said to take approximately 30days, meaning that electricity generation would be possible by the end of May/Early June.
We expect more live footage and pictures once construction is complete and of course ...when the lights come on! Personally, I hope to be there by the end of June/early July and visit the village in person. It will no doubt be a surreal experience and a great opportunity to meet members of the community, discuss income generation options and of course film interviews for our documentary on the project.
The disappointing news is that Practical Action have put a freeze on project funding for the time being as the Economic Crisis has devalued the British Pound, making their operations in Sri Lanka far more expensive as compared to a year ago. We're hoping the situation will improve and that the Australian Dollar will strengthen (even marginally) over the next few months.
Meanwhile the Kirigalpotha Biogas Consumer Society (formed as a support and maintenance mechanism for the project), comprising of all the beneficiaries from the first phase, held a meeting. Specifics about where the pit would be excavated, the caretaker of the generator and other logistical necessities were discussed.
Australia
Meanwhile at our end. Uni is back in session and so is the accompanying scarcity of time. Meetings during the holidays have resulted in us being able to pursue some funding options. Most notably Empower applied for the ARC UNSW Off Campus Community Grant and we expect word on the outcome in the coming weeks. We hope that the document and DVD demonstrating the work done with the previous grant will convince the community that the project is deserving of support.
We will be holding an AGM this Friday (20th) at UNSW. At the top of the agenda is the formation of smaller specialised teams in order to focus on 3-4 key aspects of the project. A number of new students have expressed interest in joining the project. This is very encouraging as fresh ideas and enthusiasm will do alot to ensure that we are able to do our very best by the residents of Kirigalpotha.
A Happy New Year to you all. It’s been a while since an update has been posted. Fear not, all is well with the project. In fact it is well under way and Leesa and I have been having regular meetings in order to carefully plan our next steps forward.
As it stands we have sufficient funding to cover the cost of supplying electricity to the Pitawela hamlet in Kirigalpotha. At present the community have cleared the site and excavated the location in order to prepare for construction. Asoka from the Energy Forum advised that he would be visiting the site this week and we are eagerly awaiting new footage. The hamlet is expected to be generating its own electricity by May/June this year.
The main challenge at present is raising funds for the second hamlet, Aswaduma . The team is currently looking towards obtaining grant level funding as well as approaching private donors. The team is also considering a raffle fundraiser to further ensure that the second hamlet can be covered within the year. A new presentation with footage and project updates has been prepared to guide this fresh effort. It is our hope that we can secure funding by April/May and commence installation as soon as we do.
Meanwhile we are also trying to secure a new project partner in order to strengthen our efforts to augment income generation into the project post-installation. A number of potential partners have been short-listed and we hope to follow up on these leads in the coming weeks.
.jpg)
