(english version)

Claudio Moreno will present a model of a solar food dehydrator with a complex heat conduction system that serves to dry all types of food products, especially those that need to maintain their sensory quality and protect their natural properties. This dehydrator has been adapted to work also with biogas, with the installation and adaptation to the system of a burner in the collector tray, which was prepared with two different compartments to capture the heat generated by the two types of energy source (solar and biogas), and a wind extractor, to facilitate the internal movement of air. 

Edmundo Rodriguez will make a presentation showing the development of the use of energy from biogas converted into energy for cooking, heating in the Andes and electricity in Peru, using biodigesters for family or domestic use.

(Versión en español)

En este webinar, dos ponentes presentarán la aplicación del biogás en el sector agrícola.
Claudio Moreno presentará un modelo de deshidratador solar de alimentos con un sistema de conducción de calor complejo lo que sirve para secar todo tipo de productos alimenticios, en especial aquellos que necesitan mantener su calidad sensorial y proteger sus propiedades naturales. Este deshidratador ha sido adaptado para funcionar también con biogás, con la instalación y adecuación al sistema de un quemador en la bandeja del colector, la que fue preparada con dos compartimientos diferenciados para captar el calor generado por los dos tipos de fuente de energía (solar y biogás), y de un extractor eólico, para facilitar el movimiento interno del aire.
Edmundo Rodriguez hará una exposicion que muestra el desarrollo del uso de la energía proveniente del biogás convertida en energía para cocina, calefacción en el Ande y energía eléctrica, en Perú, usando biodigestores de uso familiar o doméstico.

In collaboration with GFA Entec AG, a Swiss-based hydropower specialist, several workshops and training sessions were conducted by the conclusion of the project in 2019. Participants were equipped with the necessary skills to repair and maintain MHP plants independently, based on their previous technical skills as car mechanics or electricians. Since then, the training centre has become an established institution in the region for the maintenance of MHP systems. Five trained technicians take care of the existing MHP systems in the region and have already successfully repaired 30 MHP systems. In addition, the centre now provides equipment and spare parts and offers training for MHP operators in the Chitral river valley.

The financial sustainability of capacity-building initiatives can be challenging. In this case, to ensure a viable economic operation, the training centre supplemented its service portfolio by offering car repairs. This change to the original strategy underlines the importance of finding flexible solutions to ensure long-term sustainability.

Sharing experiences with peers is an extremely effective way of climbing the learning curve and developing the industry but peer-to-peer networks of decentralised energy practitioners are still scarce across the Global South. The CLEAN network and AMDA are examples of regional and national initiatives that aim to support the growing sector by connecting local organisations so they can learn from each other and work collectively to find solutions for common problems. Since 2009, WISIONS has supported the bottom-up development of four dynamic networks:

 

• RedBioLAC: the only network of its scale bringing local biogas practitioners together across Latin America and the Caribbean;
• RedBioCOL: a bioenergy network in Colombia and the only WISIONS network with a solely national focus;
• Wind Empowerment: a network with a global scope focused on small-scale wind practitioners;
• Hydro Empowerment Network (HPNET): the largest of the four WISIONS-supported networks, focused on community micro-hydropower practitioners in South and Southeast Asia.

Together these networks actively involve over 300 organisations from across the Global South who share a long-standing commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Working remotely and in-person, their members contribute to and benefit from network working groups, regional or national face-to-face meetings, training and knowledge resources.

Our experience shows that investing in local practitioner networks yields results over and above building capacity in technical and business skills. Impacts of the networks on the ground include the development of standards, guidelines and tools, open source innovations customised to local conditions, and collaborations and alliances. Networks also give a common voice to the sector and can advance advocacy for their emerging sectors at different policy and decision-making levels.

Networks are also empowering. The “I am not alone” feeling is recognised as one of the key impacts that networks have on local practitioners, inspiring members and enabling them to meet organisations and individuals who share the same challenges and goals.

With increasing reach and experience, South-South energy access practitioner networks are developing their roles and demonstrating their impact. The policy agenda increasingly recognises that building capacity locally is crucial for ensuring the long-term success of sustainable energy projects. However, the benefits of peer-to-peer exchange approaches and South-South networks remain underexploited, with existing networks struggling to mobilise the necessary resources and with much room remaining for more networks in the space.

The key elements, objectives and activities of the WISIONS partner networks are described in our brochure, Energy Practitioner Networks. We also held a webinar on the topic.