ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

NDWC has set up pilot solar projects at its Development Complex in Ekeki, Yenagoa. A stand-alone security light and solar water pumping system have been n place for 4 years. A typical traditional mud and thatch hut was also constructed four years ago to demonstrate the efficacy of solar energy systems in the simplest of homes in the most remote riverine areas of the Niger Delta. Solar water pumping systems have been put in place in Gbanraun, Southern Ijaw, and Tombia-Ekpetiama. NDWC has a training programme for graduate engineers and technicians to enable them to design and instal solar systems.

NDWC Promotes Renewable wind and solar Energy Technologies because:

Oil and gas are

• not renewable (they get increasingly expensive over time)
• are polluting (can cause respiratory diseases, cancer, compromise immune system
  responses – complicating effects of other diseases such as HIV/AIDS and resistant infections)
• difficult and expensive to use in underdeveloped countries (poor infrastructure – transportation,
  distribution facilities, require recurring investment in maintenance, repair etc.)
• getting increasingly expensive over time (depletion of reserves, wars, etc.)

 Renewable Energy Technologies are:

• Being heavily invested in by international oil/gas companies     
• Cheaper over time than current energy sources
• Can be installed in remotest areas
• Are for the most part, stand-alone (less distribution problems)
• Do not need to be connected to the national grid
• Do not require the purchase of fuel for operation and transport
• Scalable to individual, family or community use

Solar Energy is:

• Especially practical for essential energy requirements such as:
• Pumping water
• Light
• Medical refrigeration
• Communications (VSAT, computers)
• Also practical for:
• CD players
• Small televisions
• Small appliances such as fans
• Street lighting and traffic lights
• Not practical but feasible for:
• Air-conditioning
• Washing machines
• Manufacturing equipment

• When used to power an Essential Energy Resource Centre with communication equipment,
  solar and wind power systems raise the standard of living in a community immediately
  through improved:
• Governance
• Security
• Education
• Water supply
• Health
• Small Business information
• Community focus/interaction