Local, Alternative Energy

A Renewable Source

In the last post I briefly discussed the AAN's stance on biofuels, emphasizing the impact of agro-industry on biodiversity as well as the role of first generation biofuels in the fuel vs. food debate - the increased use of biofuels in the developed world had a direct impact on the rise of food prices throughout Asia. As an organization that focuses on finding local-level solutions to the world food and energy crises, SFS has been working to develop alternatives (see our used-cooking oil biodiesel post). We are also researching other technologies to potentially start new programs in member communities. P' Nok recently met with the chairman of village representatives in the Surin city district to learn more about a few projects, including biogas, and high efficiency charcoal and charcoal stoves.

Manure is shoveled into this hole, which is connected to an underground tank that collects methane for burning in the kitchen stove. There are four biogas systems in use in the subdistrict.

A high-efficiency charcoal "oven" - built using an old 55 gallon drum, high-clay content soil, and a few pieces of concrete pipe.

Bags of high-efficiency charcoal
On the left, a conventional stove. On the right, a high-efficiency stove, there are 320 stoves in use in the subdistrict.
These stoves are produced in Ban Mai, the same village where the local government has begun to overflow it's landfill.

Jatropha waiting to be planted - many farmers are still unaware of it's value as a sustainable biofuel crop (that can be processed locally, within the village). Sugarcane, which had been gaining popularity in recent years and was planted for sugar mills and biofuel, is proving to be a less than viable option for Isaan farmers, mostly because of the high amounts of chemical fertilizers required in production.

Tomorrow is our meeting with the headmaster of Jarun Suk school, to talk about our "Alternative School" ideas...