APFED Booklet on Good Practices and Innovative Activities 2005 ...

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Sri Lanka
etc.
2006
*etc.=Environmental technologies, Rural development, Community development
Enhanced Generation and Utilisation of Bio Energy
2009
2008
Project Site Location
Gurugoda, Nikewaratiya, (Situated in the Rasnayakapura
Divisional Secretariat Division)
2007
2006
Background - Problems Addressed and Policy Responses
The power generation mix in Sri Lanka is comprised of
energy generated from hydro, petroleum and biomass with
strong dependence on fossil fuel. However, due to escalating
fuel prices, limited and uncertain supply and over 4 million
inhabitants still living in off-grid areas, the country requires
alternative energy sources such as bio energy to facilitate
decentralised generation.
Fresh jatropha produce
2005
Project Outline - Objectives and Activities
Jatropha demonstration plantations were established as live fences with selected communities and
about 7,000 plants were planted. Energy plantation was done at the household level and a plot at the
University of Ruhuma. Oil extraction, processing and engine testing was completed at the NERD Centre*
and University of Peradeniya, with the Castor, Jatropha, Rubber, Domba and Neem seeds. A bio diesel
processing machine was installed at Gurugoda LBF centre and used to produce bio diesel.
*The National Engineering Research and Development Centre
Impacts and Achievements
Community-level awareness programmes were conducted around the project site to gain public
understanding of the energy plantation work. Oil extraction and processing into biofuel was carried out at
the biofuel centre and operation of internal combustion engines was demonstrated.
Future Challenges
The key challenge for the study is to increase the cost-benefit of the biofuel produced to make the price
comparable to commercial fossil fuel, as lower biofuel prices would ensure lower power generation costs.
Further, decentralised biofuel power generation would ensure power for populations residing in off-grid
areas.
General Information
Name of the Implementing Organisation:
Practical Action South Asia (Intermediate Technology Development Group)
Type of Organisation: NGO/CBO
Contact: Namiz Musafer
5, Lionel Edirisinghe Mawatha, Colombo 10005, Sri Lanka
Tel: (++ 94) 11 2829412 Fax: (++ 94) 11 2856188 E-mail: namiz.musafer@practicalaction.org.lk
Website: http://practicalaction.org/south-asia/region_south_asia
Project Reviewer (NetRes / Collaborators) that monitors the project:
Suneel Pandey, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)
E-mail: spandey@teri.res.in
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