An outline of the project aims, objectives and useful outcomes
The aim of our project is to develop a structured methodology to design more sustainable renewable energy systems for remote, off-grid communities within developing countries.
For these communities, energy security comes with its own challenges and our methodology aims to take a holistic approach to addressing the social, economic and environmental impacts posed by the introduction of renewable energy technologies.
In order to meet the 7th UNDP Sustainable Development Goal, "to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy for all", renewable energy will have an important role to play within international development. However, there are many challenges in providing sustainable energy to developing communities and all too often energy systems fail once implemented due to design issues or an incompatibility with the community's priorities for development. The methodology developed in this project can be used as a guide for energy-for-development projects carried out in the future, to ensure that the system designed is more likely to succeed in the long-term.
In order to develop the methodology and show how it works, it will be demonstrated via a case study in the community of Pangboche in Nepal. This community was selected through a University contact.
Pangboche is an extremely remote community, only accessible by helicopter or a 10-day walk on foot from the nearest road. Currently, 30% of the population of Nepal does not have access to electricity [1] and its GDP of $427 per capita is one of the lowest in the world [2]. Pangboche was also badly affected by the 2015 Nepal earthquake. To see some of the efforts being made to support the community in Pangboche and the surrounding area by people in Scotland, please visit Sherpa Family Support.
Outlined below is a plan of the steps which were taken over the duration of the project to achieve our aim.