| Micropower: Power that can be provided on a small scale and in a fashion tailored to localized needs. |
| Least Developed Countries: A group of the world’s 50 poorest countries as designated by the United Nations based on three criteria: low income, human resources weakness and economic vulnerability; the term is often extended to refer to the world’s poorest countries more broadly. |
| Renewable Energy: Energy derived from processes naturally occurring in nature in ways that generate more usable energy than is expended in the production process. Wind power, solar power, and hydropower are all examples of renewable energy sources. |
| Kerosene: A form of oil usually burned to generate heat for the purpose of lighting or warming, often in areas without electricity. |
| Diesel: A denser, less refined form of oil that is widely used to fuel trucks, airplanes, and other industrial-strength machines. It is also the preferred fuel for passenger automobiles in many parts of the world, including Europe. |
| Biomass: Fuels derived from organic matter, such as corn or sugar cane; biomass is one form of renewable energy that not necessarily more environmentally friendly than traditional fossil fuels. |
J. Examples of Micropower
Here are a few examples of micropower projects from around the world:
- In Yemen, one of the United Nations’ 50 officially designated least developed countries (LDCs), local citizens have begun to set up small, privately owned and operated electric generators “to service households not reached by the [country’s] inadequate grid system.” Although this kind of power is relatively expensive, it is an example of people taking their energy needs into their own hands.1
- In India, the Tata Research Energy Institute has helped develop energy supply links across many small villages. Its programs for rural development, conservation initiatives, and renewable energy projects are a model for other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) based in developing countries. One project sought to improve the efficiency of energy usage in 35 villages in a variety of household activities, including wood burning, lighting, and water heating, with the goal of conserving “ kerosene, diesel, and biomass and greening of the village.”2
- In a remote part of the Philippines, a non-profit organization called Preferred Energy Incorporated is trying to initiate and support “development efforts and investments in renewable energy and other clean development projects.”3 In one project, Preferred Energy worked with the local councils of two neighboring villages to build a micro-hydroelectric facility on a nearby creek. The project was jointly undertaken by several donor agencies and local residents. The donors supplied the necessary equipment while the villagers “pitched in ‘equity’ in the form of labour and local materials…[and] organized themselves into a management committee to run the plant.” 4
1 “Power to the Poor”
2 ibid.; “Case Studies”
3 “Capability Statement”
4 “Power to the Poor”
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