Alternative Energy Project

Stemming from the needs assessment, this project will look into providing the village with alternative sustainable energy required to supply water from the reservoir. First, a situational analysis will be conducted to learn the infrastructure logistics, available renewable sources of energy, production of energy fuel, etc. Various sources of feedstock for energy production will be assessed, including waste vegetable oil, oil seeds, organic waste and biomass. Based on the expertise and experience through the UBC Biodiesel Project, the potential of building a biodiesel production unit will be examined. Providing the village with sustainable fuel will enable them to use the diesel pump they have in place to pump water.

UBC Biodiesel Project:

The UBC Biodiesel Project started in 2003 to design, build and test an affordable community scale biodiesel processing facility that is financially self-sustainable and can supply Biodiesel fuel at a competitive rate. Currently we are conducting feedstock, technical, financial, regulatory, quality control, engine testing and production process studies to aid small producers in getting started. A small-scale pilot and research plant is operating on the UBC campus, generating knowledge in efficient production and separation of biodiesel. The experience gained through this project will support the potential development of the biodiesel as a waste management strategy and an economic development tool through Kuwasha.