Energy supply
The right concept for power supply
One of the greatest challenges for KIUMA in the remote Tunduru District is the supply with electric power. Public power supply does not exist; hence electricity comes only from own generators. The Diesel fuel needed to operate these generators must be obtained with great afford and at high costs. Many village residents are unable to afford this and projects such as KIUMA have to release a lot of money from their budgets for this. However, the investment in solar energy for the exclusive generation of electricity is far too expensive for a project such as KIUMA and can therefore not be a genuine alternative.
Nevertheless, electricity is an important condition for the further development of the region: artificial light makes the people more independent from the sun, which only provides adequate light until about 6.30 p.m. Having artificial light means that one can read and learn also after dark. Electricity can recharge mobiles or radios, which are essential for the communication of important news. And only electricity makes the use of computers or the internet possible - which would be a giant step for the people who until now not even have a television set.
wortundtat is looking into various methods of generating power, which would be oriented towards the options of the residents and any other local framework conditions. Since 2010, a biogas plant contributes fuel for the large generators, which supply KIUMA with power. The plant is fed with the faeces of the pupils.
One project, which harbours opportunities for the entire region, is the cultivation of Jatropha. This hardy plant is not suitable for humans and animals. It has already been used as a supplier of energy in many regions of the world. The nuts of the plant contain a lot of oil, which can be easily pressed from the nut. It is used instead of Diesel to operate the generators. The initial cultivation and utilisation trials conducted by KIUMA have been successful during the past years.