United Nations Earth Summit+5 Success Stories - Rural Solar Energy Development

EARTH SUMMIT+5
Special Session of the General Assembly to Review and Appraise
the Implementation of Agenda 21
New York, 23-27 June 1997
SUCCESS STORIES FROM SUDAN

Rural Solar Energy Development

Location Kordofan State, Sudan

Responsible organization Executing agency: Energy Research Institute of the National Council for Research in Sudan.
Co-operating agency: UN Department of Economic and Social Development.
Technical assistance and monitoring: UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme.

Description The project provides direct support to rural communities and also strengthens Government institutions in the energy sector through national execution. It focuses on dissemination of Photovoltaic Systems with emphasis on provision of electricity for small-scale applications such as water pumping and household and community lighting. Further, it provides solar thermal applications for salt processing.

Issues addressed Special considerations include collaboration with the private sector to develop capacity to produce component systems, and with financial institutions to provide credit, a focus on women's needs and environmentally sound and appropriate technology interventions.

Objectives To encourage sustainable economic activity and improved use of local natural resources in rural Kordofan by providing technical assistance and support for the commercialisation of economically viable solar energy technologies (Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal) and to help establish the institutional capacity to design, operate and maintain these technologies.

Results achieved Installation of solar vaccine fridges made a more efficient and widespread immunisation programme possible, thereby making use of expensive vaccines more effectively. Introduction of electric lighting systems increased educational performance and allowed for adult education in evenings.
Lighting systems in health centres allowed health services at night and encouraged health workers to stay in rural areas. Solar pumps provided water for agricultural activities that generated sufficient income to cover the costs of the pump and other additional community activities. It also diminished reliance on (irregular) supply of diesel fuel for conventional pumps.
Solar evaporators (substituting fuelwood) reduced the cost of salt processing by 50% and women now have more spare time since wood collection needs have been significantly reduced. Decreased use of fuelwood in cooking (with introduction of solar box cookers) and salt processing has significantly reduced respiratory problems and eye infections, both caused by smoke.

Lessons learned A proper needs assessment preceded the introduction of solar energy technologies thereby ensuring a smooth acceptance of these technologies by the target group. Investment in solar energy technologies that generate income is the key to the rapid dissemination of solar water pumps and solar evaporation. Technology was introduced as a package including capacity building for design, operation and maintenance and availability of credit facilities. Private sector and public sector alliances in the execution of the project. Successful demonstration projects are good publicity, making extension of the project's activities by the private sector,outside the project area, relatively easy.

Financing IPF (Indicative Planning Figure) and OPEC Fund for International Development through the UNDP Energy Account administered under the UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme.

Contact UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme Dr. Suresh Hurry, Senior Technical Adviser, Tel: (212) 906-6308; Fax: (212) 906-5148 or
Mr. Ad Dankers, Technical Adviser Energy, Tel: (212) 906-6639; Fax: (212) 906-5148

Copyright © United Nations
Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Comments and suggestions: esa@un.org
1 November 1997

	Rural Solar Energy Development
	Location	Kordofan State, Sudan
	Responsible organization	Executing agency: Energy Research Institute of the National Council for Research in Sudan. Co-operating agency: UN Department of Economic and Social Development. Technical assistance and monitoring: UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme.
	Description	The project provides direct support to rural communities and also strengthens Government institutions in the energy sector through national execution. It focuses on dissemination of Photovoltaic Systems with emphasis on provision of electricity for small-scale applications such as water pumping and household and community lighting. Further, it provides solar thermal applications for salt processing.
	Issues addressed	Special considerations include collaboration with the private sector to develop capacity to produce component systems, and with financial institutions to provide credit, a focus on women's needs and environmentally sound and appropriate technology interventions.
	Objectives	To encourage sustainable economic activity and improved use of local natural resources in rural Kordofan by providing technical assistance and support for the commercialisation of economically viable solar energy technologies (Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal) and to help establish the institutional capacity to design, operate and maintain these technologies.
	Results achieved	Installation of solar vaccine fridges made a more efficient and widespread immunisation programme possible, thereby making use of expensive vaccines more effectively. Introduction of electric lighting systems increased educational performance and allowed for adult education in evenings. Lighting systems in health centres allowed health services at night and encouraged health workers to stay in rural areas. Solar pumps provided water for agricultural activities that generated sufficient income to cover the costs of the pump and other additional community activities. It also diminished reliance on (irregular) supply of diesel fuel for conventional pumps. Solar evaporators (substituting fuelwood) reduced the cost of salt processing by 50% and women now have more spare time since wood collection needs have been significantly reduced. Decreased use of fuelwood in cooking (with introduction of solar box cookers) and salt processing has significantly reduced respiratory problems and eye infections, both caused by smoke.
	Lessons learned	A proper needs assessment preceded the introduction of solar energy technologies thereby ensuring a smooth acceptance of these technologies by the target group. Investment in solar energy technologies that generate income is the key to the rapid dissemination of solar water pumps and solar evaporation. Technology was introduced as a package including capacity building for design, operation and maintenance and availability of credit facilities. Private sector and public sector alliances in the execution of the project. Successful demonstration projects are good publicity, making extension of the project's activities by the private sector,outside the project area, relatively easy.
	Financing	IPF (Indicative Planning Figure) and OPEC Fund for International Development through the UNDP Energy Account administered under the UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme.
	Contact	UNDP/BPPS/SEED/Energy and Atmosphere Programme Dr. Suresh Hurry, Senior Technical Adviser, Tel: (212) 906-6308; Fax: (212) 906-5148 or Mr. Ad Dankers, Technical Adviser Energy, Tel: (212) 906-6639; Fax: (212) 906-5148