NEWS

UNITAR/UNDP CENTRE ON SMALL ENERGY RESSOURCES

The Centre's "Newsletter" reports on the role of the new organrzations in Rome as follows:

The energy problem of the Third World is complex and multifaceted; it includes the assessment of the needs and the evaluation of the available resources, as well as of the existing technical skills and local environmental and social conditions. Many developing countries have recognised that small indigenous energy resources, particularly the new and renewable ones, are and will continue to represent in the long run, an important element in the national energy supply system.

It is on the basis of these considerations that the Italian Government, which has always given a high priority to the energy sector in its development cooperation programs, has contributed to the setting up of the UNITAR/UNDP Centre on Small Energy Resources with the sincere intention of assisting the developing countries in becoming less dependent in their energy supply.

ENERGY FOR RURAL AND ISLAND COMMUNITIES 5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

16 - 20 May 1988

University of Tasmania, Hobart, in conjunction with

ISLANDS '88 - CONFERENCES OF ISLANDS OF THE WORLD

Energy for Rural and Island Communities (ERIC V) will be of interest to all those involved with the use and supply of alternative and conventional energy for small isolated communities. Topics to be covered include renewable and fossil fuels, innovative small scale energy technology, commercial and administrative aspects of decentralised systems, surveys, policy and social benefits. This conference continues the highly successful series organised by the Energy Studies Unit, University of Strathclyde. The link with the Islands '88 Conference means it will be possible to interact with a wide cross- section of participants, from many disciplines, and take part in workshop sessions on tourism, economic development and human resources. The conferences theme is 'Toward's Self Reliance'.

For further information (offers of papers also welcome) please contact Dr John Todd, Centre for Environmental Studies, P O Box 252C, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001, Australia.

 

 

COOKSTOVE NEWSLETTER NO. I - APRIL

The Consortium on Rural Technology (CORT) is now established as the Indian Regional Centre of the Foundation of Woodstove Disseminations (FOOD) and has produced a newletter (address, D 320, Laxmi Nagar, Delhi 110092).

It is a 10 page publication describing stove development in India and internationally and, in particular, outlining the programme for FOOD's second, international, 6 day workshop in Guatemala, now scheduled for 5th October. It will provide an opportunity for participants to learn about each other's strategies for disseminating improved woodfuel stoves. The programme has been designed to provide answers to two important questions "what has been the contributions of stove programmes to forest and energy conservations, health, women's productive activities etc.?" and "how can dissemination programmes be expanded and better integrated so as to increase contributions significantly?"

BRIQUETTING OF BIOMASS - DOES IT HAVE A FUTURE? |

Forum 27/28 November 1987, Rugby, UK

ITDG Biomass Panel

 

This is the first of a series of forums on topical biomass issues and will deal with densification techniques for fuel and the potential for cooking in the Third World. Despite numerous attempts, appropriate techniques have not yet been established.

The purpose of this forum, then, is to bring together a range of individuals involved in this type of project to consider, on a broad front, the options for future developments in biomass briquetting. Numbers are strictly limited, so early application is vital.

The forum starts at 4.30 pm on Friday 27 and ends at 1.30 pm on Saturday the 28. Friday supper and Saturday lunch will be provided. There will be no charge. Accommodation will be arranged with ITDG staff if requested. For invitations contact Ian McChesney, ITDG Biomass Panel, Myson House, Railway Terrace, RUGBY, CV21 3HT, UK.