Opportunities and obstacles for solar powered pumping technologies - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Opportunities and obstacles for solar powered pumping technologies in rural water supply – Case study from Kunene region, Namibia Erla Hlín Hjálmarsdóttir PhD Candidate, University of Iceland 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Project area ANGOLA NAMIBIA 33 water points Timeframe: 2007-2010 Budget: US$ 1,4M 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Kunene • Many lessons are context-specific • Low population density • Owahimba people • Remote • Arid climate 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Kunene • 36% of Epupa households had access to safe water • 70% - yield too little water • 57% - technical problems 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Project approach • CBM • Borehole metrics: – Grundfos SQFlex pumps – PVP technologies – average yield: 9,556 l/day – Average head: 51 m • Serve approx. 4000 people and their livestock 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Feasability of PVPs • Geographic conditions and climate • Use of renewable solar energy • Pollution and environmental impact • Costs – Initial costs – Maintenance costs – Operational costs 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Feasability of PVPs • Breakeven point for ICEIDA waterpoints – 8 months • Borehole yielding 10 m 3 /day: – Operating cost of DPs for less then 4 years enough to offset PVP initial cost 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Feasability of PVPs US$ 80,000 • Estimated costs 70,000 for 20 years: 60,000 50,000 US$ 12,750 for a PVP 40,000 US$ 73,750 for a DP 30,000 • Transportation of fuel 20,000 • Repair 10,000 • Lightning strikes 0 PVP DP 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Lessons learnt • Theft of solar panels – Fences and community guards – Elevated poles and welded frames – Removable panels • Externalities – Livestock and grazing – Schools re-opened 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Lessons learnt • Training and capacity building – Few waterpoints fully handed over – Follow up training – Exchange visits – PVP training for staff • Cost recovery – Reactive financing • Full cost realization 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Lessons learnt • Water supply monitoring • Sanitation • Other practical lessons – Follow standards – No PIUs – Value in having senior staff visiting waterpoints 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Conclusions • No all-encompassing solution • Water demand has to match water supply capacity of PVP solutions • Mutual learning between communities • Mismatch between community capabilties and their expected roles • Cost recovery methods need to reflect circumstances and social context 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011

Conclusions • Bias against PVP solutions • Focus on achieving targets • PVP fulfil technological requirements • Implementation, appropriate for the local context remains the challenge 6 th International Rural Water Supply Network Forum : Kampala, Uganda : 29 th Nov-1 st Dec 2011