Component 11

Assessment of potential for renewable   energy use in the indigenous areas, including challenges, barriers and proposals, and support for implementation of renewable energy systems

Public lighting and basic energy household needs have been one of the main needs registered by the Trio and Wayana from the beginning of the project. The Project therefore devised a component for performing a renewable energy study to determine the potential for providing basic energy needs in Kwamalasamutu, Suriname.  To this purpose, consultant performed a literature review and, in conjunction with project coordinator,  and the ACT field director in Suriname, made a field trip in April 2006 to Suriname, where meetings were conducted with government and non-government stakeholders and energy specialists in Paramaribo, followed by a reconnaisance visit to Kwamalasamutu, where notes on previous energy installations and requirements were recorded, as well as interviews with locals which  provided input into current and future energy uses and needs.  The study was completed and a report on its results produced.

An assessment report was generated which describes the current state of energy production, use, and need in Trio and Wayana areas (Brazil-Suriname border region), and performs a qualitative techno-economic analysis to indicate possible required investment and operation costs of renewable electricity production systems, using Kwamalasamutu, the largest agglomeration in the area, as a case study . Based on the results of the literature review and observations and data collected from the field visit, a series of recommendations were made on how to implement a sustainable energy development strategy. Among other conclusions, it recommends the rehabilitation of a previously installed but currently in disrepair solar photovoltaic system to supply basic energy needs for households and basic public lighting. In addition, the study recommends establishing a maintenance training programme, where local inhabitants will be capacitated to repair and maintain the system, supporting its sustainability after project closure.

This page was last updated on Tuesday July 17, 2007.