To provide modern energy services in rural communities through the installation of four multi functional platforms (MFPS) and improve thereby the living
EDG (Uganda) aimed to provide modern energy services through the installation of four Multi Functional Platforms (MFPs) in rural communities that had no access to modern energy. Each MFP consists of a small diesel engine mounted on a chassis, to which a variety of end use equipment can be attached, e.g. grinding mills or nut oil presses that allow improved opportunities for local income-generation. Main objective was to run these MFP on locally produced bio-diesel where the MFPs are part of the bio-diesel production cycle themselves. The project tested and evaluated four different implementation models with varying types of organsiation to find optimum solutions. UNDP, Ugandan government agencies and the beneficiary communities were partners in this project.
Background
The majority of the population in Uganda lives in rural communities that have so far little or no access to modern energy services for agro-processing or domestic use. The project, implemented by the Energy & Development Group, has been designed to improve the access to modern energy services in the Masindi District of Western Uganda. The installed Multi Functional Platforms (MFPs) provide both mechanical and electrical energy to meet the local needs. Two of the MFPs are operating on biodiesel, produced from locally grown sunflower seed. The other two are operating on conventional diesel fuel. The selection of the communities has been based on socio- economic surveys conducted prior the implementation. The community had to be able and willing to contribute financially to the project. Four different models of operation have been implemented to allow the assessment of different implementation models prior to a planned wider replication across the country. The four models are constituted as follows:- An Energy Service Company (ESCO) approach where the biodiesel productionis outsourced.
- An approach where the ESCO also grows/processes the bio-diesel.
- The MFP is operated by a local women/community group.
- The MFP is operated by a local institution such as a local government center, school or health clinic.
Technology, Operations and Maintenance

Financial Issues and Management
The cost for each MFPs that has been installed is around €15,000. The contributions of the four communities that could be raised have been as high as €15,900 in total. In the project four operational models have been implemented for the purpose of testing which would be the best for further replications. All MFP managers have been trained to acquire skills in bookkeeping and basic financial calculations. The operator is not only responsible for the operation and the maintenance of the system but also for the collection of fees from the users. The project is economically feasible, as the running costs of the platform and engine can be recovered through fees from the variety of services provided by the platform.Environmental Issues
The use of the two biofuel MFPs results in approximately 80% less CO2 emissions, and almost 100% less SO2, compared to the use of conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is also safe to handle and transport. The annual CO2 emissions and the associated use of fossil fuel are reduced with the implementation of MFPs. The CO2 reduction potential is 48,400 kg CO2/year when compared to grid extension and 7,520 kg CO2/year when compared to the use of kerosene lamps.Social Issues
With the active involvement of all members of the communities, the MFPs can significantly affect the social dynamics of the village life. The users get familiar to these modern technical elements. Furthermore the availability of lighting has improved the situation in the health and education sectors, with positive effects especially for living conditions of women.Results & Impacts
