CHAPTER SIX - The Niaga Wolof experimental rural energy centre

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the development of Niaga Wolof as a rural energy center. In the revised design, electricity is produced by wind and solar energy, while the other components form a part of individual small-scale experiments—namely, a biodigester, a greenhouse-type solar still, a solar drier, and a wind machine. Implementation of the project necessitated coordination among those involved and specification and allocation of responsibilities. The role of the population, which was closely involved in the project through community activities, was far from negligible. The Rural Council of the Niaga community was involved in the decisions made on approving the scheme; it granted the site, supplied unskilled labor, and provided moral support to those involved. The community provided welcome and folklore events for official visits and celebrations and participated in site surveys. The site of the plant was an enclosed area sufficiently broad to accommodate an extension of the size of the original . The building was attractive and met current electrical and labor safety standards in terms of dimensions, ventilation, access, and separation of functions.