Project Detail

Ending Energy Poverty: Promotion of renewable energy access to off grid communities of Kiang West National Park

The project aims at addressing the problem of accessing energy for rural communities that are not connected to the national electricity grid. The project will therefore promote the use of alternative energy sources through the use of solar technology with the ultimate aim of achieving multiple benefits in the areas of agriculture, education, health care and business entrepreneurship amongst other benefits.

Project Snapshot

Grantee:

Renewable Energy Association of the Gambia

Country:

Gambia

Area Of Work:

Community Based Adaptation
Community Based Adaptation

Operational Phase:

OP6 - Y2 (Jul 16-Jun 17)

Grant Amount:

US$ 35,000.00

Co-Financing Cash:

US$ 10,000.00

Co-Financing in-Kind:

US$ 20,000.00

Project Number:

GMB/SGP/OP6/Y2/CORE/CC/16/09

Start Date:

9/2016

End Date:

8/2017

Status:

Satisfactorily Completed

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Project Characteristics and Results

Replication of project activities

Depending on the availability of funding, project activities will be replicated in other rural communities.

Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples

Mass consultation with indigenous peoples including the youth organisations in the target communities.

Promoting Public Awareness of Global Environment

Participation of Village Development Committees in the Project Steering Committee Meetings, issue and dissemination of progress reports

Policy Impact

The project aims at complementing Government's efforts in providing energy in the rural areas.

Capacity - Building Component

The project aims at providing training on the proper use and operation of Renewable Energy technologies for the target communities.

Project sustainability

The project beneficiaries received vital training on the care and maintenance of the different components of the system that were installed in their communities. In addition, a maintenance savings account was established in each school to take care of the replacement costs of the technology such as the batteries after they run out of life.

Policy Influence

This project seeks to influence the national policy on renewable energy as well as the energy policy both of which seek to promote renewable energy technologies among rural communities that are not connected to the national electricity grid.

Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods

With access to energy through the use of renewable energy technologies, the target communities shall be provided with electricity to light the respective communities, and improve health and educational facilities on one hand; and use solar powered energy/electricity to preserve fruits, vegetables, herbs and fish for future use and sale on the other.

Gender Focus

With the provision of energy in schools, health centres and mobile charging stations, both men and women shall equally benefit from the project in that aspect. However, in the area of food and vegetable preservation, women are the sole target beneficiaries as they are the ones who are the vegetable growers.

Notable Community Participation

Youth groups in the target communities shall be trained on the use of solar powered machines and freezers as well as how to operate and maintain the solar powered machines. Youth groups shall also be involved in the management of the Solar PV Mobile Charging Stations.

Project Results

? Carried out a site visit to the 3 project locations
? Conducted a baseline survey of 3 Beneficiary Lower Basic Schools in the target area; viz:
o Kantong Kunda Lower Basic School
o Tankular Lower Basic School
o Batelling Lower Basic School
? Conducted a comprehensive socio-economic survey on the 3 communities and compiled a report on the findings that was shared with the GEF country team. the report formed Baseline Status of the 3 communities.
? Based on the findings of the baseline survey, a preliminary design of the Renewable Energy System requirements for the Schools was completed. thereafter, the following project activities were conducted:
? Initial Procurement of Renewable Energy Systems such as:
o 18 Deep Cycle Solar Batteries of 260 Ah each
o 4 ea Xantrex Controllers with 60 amp Capacity each
o 1 Victron 3000 Watt pure sign wave inverter
o Power inverters
o All solar PV Modules
o Deep cycle batteries, charge controllers and the electricity distribution boxes

? Developed training materials on Renewable Energy Systems, Waste Management and Energy Efficiency for presentation to the target communities upon installation of the Renewable Energy Systems

? Completed electrical wiring of outlets and light fixtures in Batteling Primary School.
? Refurbished the kitchen (painted and repaired ceiling) of Batteling Primary School
? Constructed and installed efficient institutional stove at Batteling Primary School to replace dilapidated stoves.
? Conducted a training for men of the community on the construction of efficient energy stoves

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Indicators

Biophysical

VRA6: Sustainability of project intervention 10

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