ITDG energy news

Boiling Point and HEDON

HEDON - The Household Energy Development Organisations' Network (HEDON) is an informal consultative forum dedicated to improving social, economic, and environmental conditions in the South, through promotion of local, national, regional and international initiatives in the household energy sector. It does this in two ways:

· by encouraging appreciation of, and support for, household energy programmes among decision-makers and the general public in developing and developed countries

· by enhancing the professional knowledge of individuals and organisational workers in the household energy sector.

The tenth annual meeting of the network partners, jointly organised by the Technology and Development Group of the University of Twente and the Bio-mass Technology Group bv. discussed 'Strategies for raising the profile of household energy issues among decision makers'. This was chosen because, since the group was established, the development world has undergone significant changes, for example:

· Sustainable development and climate change have made energy a subject of international focus

· Donor assistance for development has been reduced and the approach has altered

· There is more focus on the market and less on projects.

At the meeting, it was decided that in the future, the activities of HEDON and its members will be reported in Boiling Point to enable it to reach those who do not have access to computers.

This will complement the ways in which HEDON is currently functioning:

· As an electronic network (run by Grant Ballard-Tremeer), which those working in household energy can join, and through which they can exchange ideas, circulate papers for comment, inform others of conferences and meetings which could be of interest

· At the HEDON meeting; currently held once a year, where members can meet to focus on a particular theme, and discuss topics of mutual interest

At present there are 85 people who are part of the electronic network worldwide. They belong to NGOs, private companies, consultancies, government departments and universities. Some belong to organizations, some are individuals.

In the future, it is hoped that HEDON will:

· Strengthen the work done in the field of household energy by providing links between various members to produce collective action

· Provide a resource of key material for members, accessed electronically

· Act as a forum for discussion, electronically, through HEDON meetings and through Boiling Point

· Provide information on training, projects, conferences

· Act as a focal point for those searching for expertise in household energy

To find out how to join HEDON, please visit our website at www.energy.demon.nl/hedon

...or, if you do not have access to a computer but would like to join the network, please contact me, Liz Bates, at the Boiling Point address.

Kenya Projects

Stoves and Household Energy Programme

The purpose of this project is to improve the quality of life of poor households in East Africa, by increasing access to appropriate energy saving options.

The main activities carried out include: marketing and promotion training for stockists/retailers and promoters, ceramic stoves production, exchange visits, distribution of the PEOPLE approach Energy Technology training manual, a micro hydro workshop and monitoring of indoor air pollution.

Activities are geared towards empowering the communities with whom the project works. The programme staff are currently spearheading gender analysis in ITDG in Kenya in general, and the programme has benefited by introducing gender analysis to some of the project's partners. The programme is proving that commercialisation of rural stoves is feasible and cost-effective. It has also proved that networks of technology development organisations makes a difference where information is key to the innovation process.

Community micro-hydro power project

The Community Micro-Hydropower Project started in May 1998 and is being implemented in collaboration with the Kenya's Ministry of Energy (Renewable/Biomass Energy Department). The Project's goal is to improve the livelihoods of Kenyan communities living in remote areas by providing them with alternative sources of energy for productive end-uses.

The key activities planned included:

· A literature review and desk study of the potential micro-hydropower in Kenya
· Construction of the intake weir completed and construction of the canal is in progress.
· Communities mobilised and registered as a commercial group.