26.07.08 Laikipia, Kenya

Report by Aphonse Kandie

The pupils and teachers of a primary school in Kenya can now enjoy free energy from wind and biogas built by their local artisans. This is part of a project supported and implemented by different partners who form the RESCUE Network. The project is aimed at developing local solutions to climate change and energy poverty.

RESCUE – Renewable Energy for sustainable Universal Ecology is a network composed of several players from the NGO, local community and local private entrepreneurs working in the informal sector. RESCUE aims to demystify and introduce the use of renewable and clean energy by providing training to local artisans and subsequently install wind systems where they are viable and different schools in Laikipia District – Kenya.

Training of artisans, the technical capacity building for sustainability

The training began in April, 2008 and involved ten artisans comprising; Stanley Nderitu, Simon Maina, Patrick Mayani, Joseph Maina, Daniel Mathenge, Henry Mayani, Simon Wambogo, Benjamin Maina, Stephen Kairu and James Kolua.

The artisans were introduced to the technical and theory part and the objective and the long term vision of the project. The training was in two parts, the first part was to give the artisans the theoretical knowledge while the second part was the practical field work.

The System:

The turbine at Mutirithia will enable the school to have electricity – enough to power the staff room ( 4 lighting points) and one classroom (4lighting points) plus run about six computers. The installed system can run six computers and fifty (50) energy saving bulbs at the same time.

It should be noted that this system solely depends on the availability of wind, when there is no wind, there will be zero power. When winds blow at say 20mhp-30mph Mutirithia will have power in excess of 1500 watts – all giving into the battery bank storage.

As for the computers different types consume different amount of power. Desk tops demand far more than the laptops. Should Mitirithia get say lap tops the system can run twenty (20) of them at least for three hours daily – on windy days.
The teachers at Mutirithia have, however been instructed to learn to respond to nature. Whenever there is enough wind blowing, they then can extend their computer lessons. They should suspend it all together when there is none.

Mutirithia Primary School

This school is located along the equator, in Laikipia district of Kenya. The district is largely semi arid. The school in particular is situated in a flat area free from wind barriers. From the data obtained from the ministry of energy indicates that Nanyuki and Mount Kenya region does receive enough winds of up to 20mph on some specific months of the year. The weather condition in this region is fairly constant. Short rains followed by long dry spell are what we see here. The Turbine is therefore not going to be subjected to adverse weather fluctuations. The locals here- when asked did confirm that this area is not along the path of migratory birds. This installation is not therefore likely to kill any bird in its lifetime.
It is anticipated that the turbine will last for fifty years with its original blades, but frequent maintenance is recommended – like lowering it for service after every two years or so. Perhaps the most important conclusion to draw is the need to monitor continuously all aspects of the provision of this form of electrification. This involves ensuring that sites chosen have adequate wind; the technology has been designed well; the users know what to expect from the technology and how to use it effectively. Meanwhile research and development is a continuous process even when the technology is competing in the open market place.

Report compile by: Alfonce Kandie (in White duff coat), the wind energy technician of RESCUE Network