practicalaction.org/moja-island

An activity to explore Renewable Energy options for…

Learning Objective

To identify the most appropriate renewable energy options for island communities

Energy GapDid you know that? There’s a massive gap in the world between those who have access to the energy needed for a decent quality of life and those who don’t...

Although suitable technologies are available:1.3 billion people live without any form of electricity and 2.7 billion people still cook over open fires.Nearly one third of the world’s population don’t have access to electricity from a national grid.The majority of people without access to electricity live in remote areas in ‘economically poor’ countries. Question: Why do you think that is?

Energy access transforms lives…The development organisation Practical Action believes in Technology Justice, that everyone has the right to access the technologies they need in order to live a decent quality of life, as long as they don’t harm others now or in the future.

Practical Action believes that renewable, locally-sourced sustainable energy solutions enables people to work their way out of poverty.

Technology Justicein action….

Watch these short video clips from Practical Action to see how access to renewable technology can transform lives

•Generating energy from river water (micro-hydro) in Peru is providing communities with opportunities for businesses, health and access to schooling. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xepODtFXjk4

•Harnessing the sun’s energy (solar energy) provides better access to education and other basic services for Dhan and his family in Nepal.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2B4bQiH20o&feature=plcp

Introducing Moja island

Moja island is a small island situated off the East Africa coast in the Indian ocean

•There are 1,450 people who live on the island, divided into four main communities.

•It has no mains electricity.

•The islanders mainly use kerosene lamps and candles for lighting and fuel wood for cooking food.

Moja island

The government of Moja Island has decided to invest money to generate electricity on Moja Island

Your task: As a group of scientists, you have been asked to identify and make suggestions for the most appropriate renewable energy options for the four communities on Moja Island.

The task..

Each group will need:

•A map of Moja Island•A set of Renewable energy fact cards•A set of Moja Island community cards•A Moja Island worksheet

You’ll need to read through the details about the four island communities, find out where they live and facts about the different renewable energy options. These factors will help you work out the best renewable energy options per island community.

Complete the worksheet before feeding back in class.

Your class choicesWhat were your renewable energy suggestions as a class

for communities living on Moja Island? Tally the choices per community

Community

Wind power

Solar power

Water (tidal,wave,hydro)

Biological (biomass, biogas)

Geothermal

Most popular for community

Ericas

Sandis

Hankis

Moodis

We hope you’ve enjoyed doing Practical Action’s Moja Island activity

If you’d like to find out more about our work in Renewable energy go to http://practicalaction.org/energy

For more schools activities like these go to http://practicalaction.org/stem