Environmental research

The target location and community are situated in a remote area of northern region of the country without grid connection. Main sources of energy are from burning. In household heating and cooking, fire-woods plays the leading role. In lighting, community members resort to candles, oil lamps and flashlight. These sources of energy contributed to the global warming phenomenon, subsequent likely climatic variance and disruption of ecosystems. Therefore, introduction of renewable energy technology, especially solar energy, for various application should be promoted, in accordance with geographic, climatic condition and size of system as required by end users. The premises of the project comprised two portions. The first is for tourism while the second is the community learning centre. Divided into a cultivated area and a building which is used as classrooms and dormitory, the centre currently accommodates 42 students , with 5 staff members. Boarding and self-rule system are being applied in the management of the centre. The project aims to disseminate and promote renewable energy technology by installing solar lighting system for the classroom and dormitory. Supported by other agencies, other buildings will be used as learning centre for renewable energy which will play a contributing role for promoting renewable energy in a long term and sustainable way. Project participants and/or beneficiaries: 1.The Office of Renewable Energy Development and Energy Conservation, Region 10, Chiangmai 2.The Office of Energy Policy and Planning 3.Thai Storage Battery Public Company Limited ( Manufacturer of 3K battery) 4.Faculty of Engineering, Chiangmai University Activities to be carried out under project: 1.Installing the following systems/facilities: -an AC (220V) solar system for centralized learning -one unit of solar oven -one unit of biomass steamer for mushroom raising -five units of high-efficiency stoves and two unit of biomass stoves 2. Developing renewable energy curriculum for use with students 3.Organizing training, demonstrating and exhibition on the use of renewable energy 4.Conducting study tour to the Renewable Energy Development and Energy Conservation Office, Region 10 in Chiangmai 5. Installing the following systems/facilities; -13 stand-alone solar lighting systems for buildings including dormitory, staff residence and etc. - two centralized DC solar system for lighting and battery charging - one stand-alone hybrid solar/mini-hydro for electricity generations Anticipated Results/immediate outputs of Projects 1.The performance of students is, at average, 20 % improving after centralized system installation 2.At least 30 % reduction in the use of and expenditure on oil and candles 3.Emergence of System Maintenance Fund from the respective saving(oil & candles) of 42 students 4.Increased income of community members from mushroom raising 5. Demonstrated increased capacity of students - through write-ups and essays on the merit of renewable energy and energy conservation

Thailand