RENEWABLE ENERGYTECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA

A Regional Research andDissemination Programme

Funded by the Swedish InternationalDevelopment Cooperation Agency (Sida)

A Summary of Activities and Achievements in Cambodia

Energy DepartmentMinistry of Industry, Mines and Energy#47, Preah Norodom BlvdPhnom PenhCambodia

Energy ProgramAsian Institute of Technology

P.O. Box 4, Klong LuangPathumthani 12120

Thailand

RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES IN ASIA

A Regional Research and Dissemination Programme

Funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)

A Summary of Activities and Achievements in Cambodia

Energy DepartmentMinistry of Industry, Mines and Energy#47, Preah Norodom BlvdPhnom PenhCambodia

Energy ProgramAsian Institute of Technology

P.O. Box 4, Klong LuangPathumthani 12120

Thailand

Renewable Energy Technologies in Asia Team

Swedish International : Dr. M.R. BhagavanDevelopment Cooperation Dr. Gity BehravanAgency (Sida)Programme Coordinator : Prof. S.C. BhattacharyaAsian Institute of Technology : Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya

Dr. S. Kumar Energy Program

Bangladesh : Mr. Dewan A.H. Alamgir Grameen Shakti (GS) Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim Centre for Mass Education in Science (CMES)

Dr. Md. Nawsher Ali Moral Bangladesh Institute of Technology (BIT)

Cambodia : Dr. Sat Samy Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) Mr. Chy Cheapok Cambodia Institute of Technology (ITC)

Lao PDR : Mr. Pho Muangnalad Science, Technology and Environment Organization (STENO)

Nepal : Mr. Rajendra Bahadur Adhikari Centre for Renewable Energy (CRE)

Prof. Tulsi Prasad Pathak Research Centre for Applied Science and Technology (RECAST) Mr. Gyani Ratna Shakya Royal Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (RONAST)

Philippines : Prof. Rowaldo R. del Mundo University of the Philippines Diliman

Dr. Arnold Elepaño University of the Philippines Los Baños

Viet Nam : Dr. Pham Khanh Toan Institute of Energy (IE) Mr. Trinh Quang Dung Solar Laboratory (SolarLab)

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FOREWORD

World energy consumption has been growing at an average rate of two percent per year fornearly two centuries. Similar growth is expected to continue in the future. At present, coal, oiland natural gas account for about 77 percent of global primary energy consumption, and growthin energy demand is mostly met through increased supply of these fuels.

It is likely that the current pattern of rising conventional energy consumption cannot be sustainedin the future because of environmental consequences of heavy dependence on fossil fuels; inparticular, because of global warming, urban air pollution and acid rain. At present, a nearconsensus appears to be emerging that renewable energy technologies (RETs) need to bepromoted if global energy supplies are to be placed on an environmentally sustainable path.

R&D institutions of developing countries have a vital role in the development, local adaptationand promotion of RETs. These institutions have much to gain from a regional networking withsimilar institutions in other countries through sharing of experience, joint and coordinatedresearch and study tours. The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)sponsored a two-year regional research and dissemination programme, RETs in Asia. Theprogramme was coordinated by the Asian Institute of Technology and involved twelve nationalresearch institutions (NRIs) of six Asian countries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal,Philippines and Viet Nam.

The overall objective of the programme was to promote the dissemination of a few mature ornearly mature renewable energy technologies in selected Asian countries through adaptation tolocal requirements and conditions. The programme covered three renewable energytechnologies: photovoltaics, solar drying, and biomass briquetting and briquette stoves.

This report provides a summary of the activities carried out in Cambodia within the frameworkof the RETs in Asia Programme.

Prof. S.C. Bhattacharya Dr. Sat SamyDr. S. Kumar Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy

Asian Institute of Technology Mr. Chy Cheapok Institute de Technologie du Cambodge

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CONTENTS

FOREWORD

1. COUNTRY PROFILE: CAMBODIA

1.1 Energy Sector 1.2 Status of Renewable Energy Utilisation

2. REGIONAL PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

3. OUTLINE OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

3.1 Capacity Building and Technology Transfer 3.2 Adaptive Research 3.3 Field Demonstration and Monitoring 3.4 Dissemination and Training

4. FOLLOW-UP: PHASE II OF THE PROGRAMME

5. CONCLUSION

6. REFERENCES

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1. COUNTRY PROFILE: CAMBODIA

Cambodia is located on the southwestern part of the Indo-China peninsula and has a total area of181,035 km2. In 1999, the country had a total population of 11.7 million, and a per capita GDPequivalent of US$ 271 (MoEF, 1999). About 85% of the total population live in rural areas. Mostof the people living outside municipality boundaries are not provided with electricity. In ruralregions, people rely almost entirely on kerosene lanterns to provide evening light.

1.1 Energy SectorThe energy situation in Cambodia is characterised by its very low conventional energyconsumption as compared to other Asian countries (Figure 1). The major sources of energy forCambodia are biomass and imported petroleum products. Biomass energy sources account for anoverwhelming share; total woodfuel consumption during 1994 was estimated to be 1617 ktoe (FAO,1997).

Figure 2 presents the total energy consumption of Cambodia in 1995. Woodfuels form the majorsource of energy (80.5%), followed by petroleum products (18%). The high proportion ofwoodfuel consumption reflects its widespread use, particularly in the rural areas. Consumption ofcharcoal amounts to about 1.5%.

Electricity in Cambodia is generated in 22 isolated systems, mostly from diesel generators. Totalinstalled capacity of electricity generation in Cambodia is estimated to be 122 MW, of which 85MW are in Phnom Penh. As a result of the small size of generation units (300 kW to 5 MW unitsize), dependence on oil-based generation, and large distribution losses, the unit cost of electricity inCambodia is among the highest in the region.

1.2 Status of Renewable Energy UtilisationSince about 85% of the total population live in the rural areas, the government of Cambodia isplacing great emphasis on the development of local energy resources to raise the living standardof the rural population. Renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, have beenidentified as important sources of local energy, not only to raise the living conditions of ruralvillages, but also to develop local industries to stimulate economic growth.

The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME) of the government of Cambodia and theInstitute de Technologie du Cambodge (ITC) are the main organisations involved in renewableenergy activities in the country.

1.2.1 Solar EnergyCambodia has a tropical climate with favourable conditions for the utilisation of solar energy.Measurements during 1981-88 at Phnom Penh shows average sunshine duration of 6-9 hours perday, indicating considerable potential for solar energy utilisation.

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Figure 1: Per capita conventional energy consumption in selected Asian countries in 1996(EIA, 1999)

1.5%

18.0%

80.5%

WoodfuelsPetroleum PrductsCharcoal

Figure 2: Energy consumption of Cambodia in 1995 (MIME, 1999)

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Application of PV systems is a relatively recent development in Cambodia. Like in many othercountries of the region, PV applications in Cambodia started with a few installations donated byinternational organisations and donor agencies such as UNICEF, NGOs, Red Cross, Sida, andFONDEM. The main PV applications in the country have been in health centres andrehabilitation centres. Solar Home Systems (SHSs) and lighting systems have also been installedas demonstration units. Table 1 presents the PV systems installed in the country during 1997-99.

The government has been promoting PV systems through reduced import duties and taxes oncomponents and equipment. There are no local manufacturers of PV panels and accessories inCambodia. All equipment including accessories are currently imported.

Drying is another area of solar energy application. Sun drying is the traditional method used byfarmers in Cambodia for drying crops such as rice, maize, banana and tobacco after harvesting.Bamboo mats are used in some cases.

Currently, there are no private manufacturers of solar dryers in the country.

Figure 3: Storage batteries of the 5 kWp PV system at the Rehabilitation Centerin Kean Svay, for lighting and water pumping applications

A type of solar cooker is manufactured in Cambodia by an NGO and is sold at about US$ 70.Because of the high cost, the cooker has not yet found significant acceptance.

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Table 1: PV installations in Cambodia during 1997-99

Installed at Application Capacity RemarksHealth Rehabilitation Center,Kean Svay, Kandal Province

Pumping, lighting, fan5,005 Wp

Installed byBun Rany Hun SenDevelopmentCentre, Koh Thmei, KandalProvince

Photocopier, pumping,lighting, fanrefrigerator

3,388 WpIBC Solar Technic(KFW), Germany

Krang Yov Health Center,Kandal Province

Pumping, lighting, fanrefrigerator 3,696 Wp

Bun Rany Hun Sen PrimarySchool, Kandal Province Pumping 924 WpProfessional Center, AngSnoul, Kandal Province

Pumping, lighting 2,772 Wp

Homes and Pagoda, SihanoukVille

Lighting 550 Wp Through RETs inAsia Project

Health Center, KompongCham Province

Radio repeater,lighting 150 Wp

NGO office, Kam Pot Province Lighting 200 Wp Installed by NGOs

NGO office, Kompong SpeuProvince

Computer, fan 610 Wp (supplied byKhmer

Bek Chan Orphange, KandalProvince

Computer, lighting, fan 450 Wp Solar Co.)

Kandal Stoeung Health Centre,Kandal Province

Lighting, television 425 Wp

Museum, Ratanakiry Province Lighting, pumping 450 WpHealth Centre, BanteayMeanchey Province

Lighting, computer,refrigerator 110 Wp

SAMART Co. Ltd., andMinistry of P&T (MPT)

Telecomm-unications 3000 Wp

Total Capacity 21,730 Wp

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1.2.2 Biomass and BiogasAs in almost all Asian countries, biomass energy plays a major role in satisfying the rural energydemands of Cambodia. According to an estimate by the FAO (1997), woodfuel consumption in1994 was 1,618 ktoe, and accounted for 84% of the total energy consumption in the country.Besides woodfuels, an estimated amount of 167 ktoe of agro-industrial processing residues werealso available as fuel. Biomass is also used in the industrial sector for copra drying and steamgeneration. However, no reliable estimates of the amount of biomass energy consumption for thesepurposes are available.

There seems to be considerable potential for biogas development in Cambodia. The energypotential of biogas from recoverable animal wastes in the country has been estimated to be about228 ktoe/year (Bhattacharya et al., 1997).

1.2.3 Hydropower ResourcesCambodia is believed to have a large potential for hydropower, although no reliable estimate ofpotential has yet been made. The only hydropower plant in the country with a total installedcapacity of 1 MW was built in 1993 in Ratanakiri province.

1.2.4 Wind EnergyThe potential of wind energy in Cambodia has not yet been assessed.

2. REGIONAL PROGRAMME BACKGROUND

Renewable energy technologies (RETs) often offer the most appropriate way of meeting energydemand in rural and remote areas of developing countries. For example, in places where theelectricity grid is unlikely to reach in the near future, producing electricity locally based onrenewable energy source is normally the most viable approach of meeting the local electricitydemand.

R&D institutions in developing countries face a variety of constraints, including a lack of expertmanpower and financial resources. A regional network of R&D institutions could play a vitalrole in the development and promotion of RETs through sharing of experience, study tours, jointand coordinated research, information exchange and other activities.

The Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida) sponsored a two-yearresearch programme entitled ‘Renewable Energy Technologies in Asia: A Regional Researchand Dissemination Programme (RETs in Asia)’. The programme was coordinated by the AsianInstitute of Technology and involved twelve national research institutions (NRIs) of six Asiancountries: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Philippines and Viet Nam.

The overall objective of the programme was to promote the dissemination of a few mature ornearly mature renewable energy technologies in selected Asian countries through the adaptation

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of the technologies to local requirements and conditions. The programme covered three RETs:photovoltaics, solar drying, and biomass briquetting and briquette stoves.

3. OUTLINE OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ANDACHIEVEMENTS

In the framework of the programme, activities related to PV and solar drying were carried out inCambodia. The objectives of the PV activities were:

(i) Adaptive research on the balance of systems, principally to rectify/improveexisting designs

(ii) Demonstration and monitoring of PV systems specific to the country (PVhome systems, battery charging stations, street lighting and water pumpingsystem), and

(iii) Dissemination and training. In the case of PV, adaptive research was mainly aimed at developing low-cost accessories to suitthe requirements of specific applications. For this, the technical capability of local engineers andtechnicians was enhanced by training them in suitable skills so that they could conductindependent research on basic PV accessories and fabricate them locally. The solar dryingobjectives were:

(i) Adaptive research on solar drying and field-testing of solar dryers, and(ii) Dissemination and training.

3.1 Capacity Building and Technology Transfer3.1.1 PhotovoltaicsTo prepare themselves to carry out adaptive research and to train local technicians andentrepreneurs, extensive training programmes were arranged for the MIME staff. MIME sent twoofficers for a PV training course at Solar Laboratory of Institute of Physics, Vietnam duringApril 1997. The training consisted of lessons on PV accessories, including installation, operationand maintenance methodologies. An electronics workshop also formed part of the training,offering hands-on experience for the participants, to design electronic circuitry and PCB for PVaccessories using computer software.

An international training course conducted by SolarLab in Vietnam during January 1998 wasalso attended by an engineer and a technician from MIME (Figure 4). The training was on PVaccessories, especially fabrication and repairing of solar charge regulators; installationprocedures of Solar Home Systems were also covered.

The above training programmes were useful for the technicians and engineers of MIME in manyaspects. The hands-on experience they gained in various PV accessories helped them tounderstand the design and circuitry, and to assemble and fabricate the accessories independently.

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The technicians also gained a good working knowledge and experience in troubleshooting andrepairing of system components.

Figure 4: International training course on PV accessoriesand electronics held in Vietnam

3.1.2 Solar DryingCapacity building in solar drying was mainly carried out by AIT, where a tunnel type solar dryerwas fabricated and tested extensively. A detailed construction and operation manual wasprepared, together with design drawings and a video covering the construction details. Thedesign details, including the manual and video, were supplied to ITC for local dissemination.The dryer was tested for products such as banana and chilli and the results were alsocommunicated to ITC.

A one-day workshop on solar drying was organized in February 1997 at AIT. The design andconstruction of the solar tunnel dryer was discussed in detail. The participants, including onefrom MIME, were also given exposure to various aspects of solar drying techniques includingstate-of-the-art technology.

A one-month special student programme on solar drying was organised at AIT during September– October 1997, for researchers from MIME and other national research institutions. Theprogramme focused on the design and construction of solar dryers. The participants also gainedhands-on experience by conducting actual experiments on a solar tunnel dryer and on a naturalconvection cabinet type of dryer.

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3.2 Adaptive Research3.2.1 PhotovoltaicsIn Cambodia, PV modules and some of the accessories are generally imported. The importedaccessories available in the local market often pose technical difficulties in operation since inmany cases they are not designed for the specific requirements of the PV systems or are notparticularly suited for the operating conditions in the country. In certain cases, accessoriesmanufactured locally could also pose many technical problems. It thus becomes necessary thatthese accessories are modified suitably or ‘adapted’ to the local conditions and requirements,through technology and design improvements. Adaptive research thus formed a key objective ofthis programme. The process involves careful testing of the imported systems and accessories fortheir performance, and matching them to the demands of local applications and environment.

Many of the PV accessories were fabricated by MIME after a detailed study on locally availableaccessories. However, technical adaptation and fabrication of prototype PV systems andaccessories could not be done as planned due to lack of sufficient qualified manpower in thisfield. In the second phase of the programme, SolarLab of Vietnam will provide training toCambodian engineers and technicians with the aim of further developing their skills to enablethem to conduct independent adaptive research.

3.2.2 Solar DryingAlthough the simple and inexpensive process of open sun drying is common in Cambodia, thedevelopment of solar drying technology is essential due to its numerous advantages over opensun drying. Drying under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity helps the crop to dryreasonably rapidly to a safe moisture content level and to ensure a superior quality of theproduct. Compared to natural sun drying, solar drying generates higher temperatures for fasterdrying, and reduces the risk of spoilage by providing protection against dust, wind, insects andscavenging animals. Mould growth and changes in colour during drying, which occur in open sundrying, are also avoided in solar drying. Compared to dryers that use conventional fossil fuels orelectricity, solar dryers are environmentally benign.

Even if basic solar dryer designs may be the same, the specific adaptation of solar dryers for thedrying of agricultural products will depend on local products, requirements and weatherconditions. Appropriate modifications need to be considered, depending on: (a) the cost of thedryer, (b) the added value obtained for the product, (c) performance of the dryer in terms of easeof fabrication and use, and the versatility of the dryer for drying a variety of crops, and (d) theproven success of the dryer.

Research on the utilization of solar dryers was carried out by ITC with natural convection dryers.The Department of Energy and Electrical Engineering and Department of Food Technology andChemical Engineering were involved in the design and fabrication of solar dryers for adaptiveresearch, in collaboration with MIME.

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Different types of dryers, classified according to the mode of heat transfer, airflow and types ofproducts dried, were analysed for their design and performance. A tunnel type cabinet dryer anda chimney dryer were then fabricated and tested with various fruits and vegetables.

Solar chimney dryers have separate collector and dryer parts that are coupled together. Flat platcollectors or inflated plastic tube collectors are used to heat the drying air. The chimney dryer ofITC consists of a flat plate solar collector glazed with polyethylene (PE) sheet, and a cabinetwhere the product to be dried is loaded. The collector supplies the cabinet with the required hotair for drying. The cabinet was covered on all sides by PE sheet, thus also allowing solarradiation to fall directly on the product. A transparent chimney was used at the top to enhance theremoval of hot moist air. Wooden frames provided the structural support for the dryer. Figure 5illustrates the construction of the dryer.

Figure 5: Solar chimney dryer

The technical details of the chimney dryer have been presented in Table 2. Figure 6 shows corndrying in the chimney dryer.

The cabinet dryer developed by ITC consists of a rectangular wooden base frame, with sixsupporting legs, on which rests a drying chamber. The drying chamber consists of two floorsof racks, with six racks for each floor. A mat made from papyrus is laid inside the frame andcovered with black plastic sheet to form the base of the drying chamber.

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Table 2: Technical details of solar chimney dryer

Parameter SpecificationsCollector area 6.45 m2

Air flow 350-1100 m3/hAir temperature 30-75°CDrying area 12.00 m2

Figure 6: Corn drying in solar chimney dryer

A ventilation slot at the bottom of the frame acts as an air inlet into the chamber. The vent iscovered by a mosquito mesh to keep out insects.

The front side of the drying chamber has two hinged doors to provide access for loading andunloading the trays, on which the products are placed for drying. An air outlet vent is provided atthe top of the chamber, which allows the warm moist air to rise by natural convection. Table 3gives the technical details of the cabinet dryer. The dryer loaded with products is shown inFigure 7.

The performance of these dryers was evaluated by conducting tests with banana, jack fruit, chilli,corn, and some other fruits and vegetables, and comparing the results with t raditional open-airsun drying. Depending on the type of product (fruits or vegetables) and the loading density, thedryers could dry between 20 to 35 kg of fresh harvested produce over a period of two to threedays. The cabinet dryer was also tested with fish and meat, and found to perform satisfactorily.

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Table 3: Technical details of solar cabinet dryer

Parameter SpecificationsLength x width 4.50 m x 2.00 mAir flow 350-1100 m3/hAir temperature 30-75°CTray area 18 m2

Figure 7: Solar cabinet dryer at ITC

3.3 Field Demonstration and Monitoring3.3.1 PhotovoltaicsThe Solar Home System (SHS) was recognised by MIME as the appropriate PV application fordemonstration in Cambodia. In the framework of the RETs in Asia project, MIME installedSHSs in selected sites in the country, to demonstrate their technical, economic andenvironmental advantages. After considering various factors (e.g., grid availability, electricitydemand structure and effectiveness of demonstration), and inspecting several sites, Samakivillage of Prey Nop district, in Kampong Som province (Sihanouk Ville) was selected forinstallation and field demonstration (Figure 8).

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Figure 8: Location of the demonstration sites▼ Samaki village of Prey Nop district, Kampong Som province

● Po Mean Chey pagoda, Stung Hao District

Samaki is a remote village located on the Kompong Smach River, 5 km from Viel Reng market.The village is unlikely to have immediate access to grid electricity, and the access road to thevillage is usually badly affected during the rainy season. There are 40 households in the village,with a population of about 200. The average per capita annual income is approximately US$ 200,and almost all the income comes from agriculture and fishing. The villagers generally usekerosene and fuelwood for lighting. Certain households with commercial activities, and thosewho have higher incomes, use batteries for lighting, watching television and listening to theradio. For recharging the batteries, they carry the batteries to the nearest charging centre, whichcosts 600 Riel (approximately US$ 0.16) for one cycle of recharging. Usually one charge can lastfor three days of use.

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A working group called the Solar Energy Project Implementation Unit was formed with stafffrom MIME to execute the installation in consultation with the villagers.

Figure 9: Assembling of PV modules and supporting structuresfor Solar Home Systems

Thirty nine SHSs were installed in the village; specifications of these systems are as follows:

• one PV panel with a capacity of 12 Wp, which was installed on top of a woodenpole,

• one charge controller of capacity 5.6 A,• one battery with capacity 50 Ah,• one DC lamp of rating 12 V/0.9 A, 12 Wp, and other accessories (cable, switches,

bolts and nuts).

Po Mean Chey pagoda, located on a small hill in Stung Hao district of Kompong Som province,was also selected for installation of PV lighting systems. Three systems were installed, one eachat the library (12 Wp), the Buddhist ceremony house (24 Wp), and the house of the head of theBuddhist monastery (35 Wp) (Figure 10).

The installations at the village and the pagoda were completed in August 1998.

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Figure 10: PV lighting system at the library of Po Mean Chey pagodain Stung Hao district of Kompong Som province

3.3.2 Solar DryingThe two types of solar dryers developed at ITC were demonstrated with different products, aftertesting and evaluation. An average temperature rise of 15°C was obtained in the cabinet dryer,while 12-14°C temperature rise was noted in the chimney dryer, with products such as banana,chilli, corn and fish. The dryers were demonstrated to MIME and ITC staff, students fromseveral departments of the institution, and farmers. In the second phase of the programme, it hasbeen planned to carry out extensive demonstration programmes for local technicians,entrepreneurs and potential users to popularise the dryers.

Figure 11: Drying of chilli and jackfruit in ITC cabinet dryerduring demonstration

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3.4 Dissemination and Training3.4.1 PhotovoltaicsNational training programmes and an inter-institutional training session on photovoltaicapplications were organised by MIME for the benefit of local PV users. Fifty persons of Samakivillage were trained on the installation, operation and maintenance of solar home systems (Figure12). Booklets containing the required information were distributed to the participants for theirfuture reference.

A local workshop on photovoltaic applications was also organized at MIME for the project teammembers including engineers and technicians from MIME, and other entrepreneurs.

Apart from conducting local training programmes, MIME also participated in InternationalTraining Courses in Vietnam, conducted by Solar Laboratory of Institute of Physics. The firstcourse on solar technology was held in April 1997, which was attended by two MIME staff.Another training programme, held in January 1998, was attended by 3 persons from MIME. Theprogramme included lectures and practical sessions on PV accessories and electronics.

The participants in the above training programmes gained hands-on experience on PV systemsand accessories in addition to theoretical knowledge on photovoltaic principles.

Figure 12: Participants in the local workshop on solar energy applications

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A video illustrating the project activities in Samaki village was prepared and distributed toministers, government officials, members of international organizations and other NGOs, andvarious embassies in Cambodia.

3.4.2 Solar DryingDissemination of solar dryers involved technology transfer and training of local end users andtechnicians. The first training programme was attended by thirty participants including teachersand students from the various departments of ITC. Another training programme was conductedfor farmers who could become potential users of solar dryers. Thirty farmers from Kean Svayquarter in the southeast of Phnom Penh city attended this programme.

4. FOLLOW–UP: PHASE II OF THE PROGRAMME

The second phase of the programme will deal with biomass briquetting and briquette stoves,solar and hybrid drying, and photovoltaics. The phase II activities will be carried out in the samesix countries, involving thirteen national research institutions (NRIs). Adaptive research on PVby the participating NRIs will mainly involve accessories which were not covered in the firstphase of the project.

The proposed second phase activities in Cambodia, as listed below, will be mostly on furtherdevelopment and dissemination of PV technology and solar drying.

! Assessment of PV systems and accessories available in Cambodia! Adaptive research on selected PV systems and components and local development

of selected prototype PV systems and appliances! Demonstration and performance monitoring of installed PV systems! Dissemination and training programmes for promotion of PV based applications

! Development and demonstration of reliable renewable-energy based dryingsystems

! Market assessment for the commercialization of renewable energy based dryingsystems

! Dissemination of renewable energy based drying systems! Strengthening of institutional competence to promote renewable energy based

drying systems.

5. CONCLUSION

The regional networking approach of the RETs in Asia programme has provided an excellentmodel of project formulation, as well as research and development through collaboration andregional coordination.

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The first phase of the RETs in Asia programme contributed to local capacity enhancement inCambodia through training, technology transfer and adaptive research.

Field demonstration of PV systems has served a number of purposes: i) improvement in thequality of life of local people through introduction of electricity for light, television and radio, ii)local employment generation, and iii) development of public awareness on photovoltaics in andaround the demonstration village (Bhattacharya and Kumar, 1999).

The solar drying activities in Cambodia have mainly concentrated on design and development ofimproved and cost-effective dryers. The activities related to the actual fabrication andconstruction of the solar dryer have been well documented and carried out by ITC. However, in acountry like Cambodia, where the requirement for solar dryers is still for domestic and small-scale use rather than for large-scale industrial use, adapting the technology, and market researchshould be aimed at domestic and small-scale markets.

The second phase of the RETs in Asia programme is expected to further contribute towardscapacity building, adaptive research, field demonstration and dissemination of photovoltaic anddrying systems in Cambodia.

6. REFERENCES

Bhattacharya S.C., Thomas, J.M., and Salam, A.P., 1997, “Greenhouse Gas Emission and theMitigation Potential of using Animal Wastes in Asia”, Energy, Vol.22, No.11, pp. 1079-1085,1997.

Bhattacharya S.C., and Kumar S., 1999, “Dissemination of Renewable Energy in DevelopingCountries: Experiences of A Regional Project in Asia”, paper presented at the ISES 99 SolarWorld Congress, Israel, 4-9 July 1999.

EIA, 1999, Energy Information Administration, International Energy Database, Department ofEnergy, USA, March 1999,http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/iea/timely.html

FAO, 1997, "Regional Study on Wood Energy Today and Tomorrow in Asia", Regional WoodEnergy Development Programme in Asia (RWEDP), Food and Agriculture Organisation of theUnited Nations, Bangkok, October 1997.

MoEF, 1999, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Govt. of Cambodia, Statistics: 4th year, No.41,May 1999.

MIME, 1999, Cambodian Energy Statistics, Energy Department, Ministry of Industry, Mines,and Energy, August 1996.

For further information, please contact:

Prof. S.C. BhattacharyaCoordinatorRenewable Energy Technologies in Asia – Phase IIEnergy ProgramSchool of Environment, Resources and DevelopmentAsian Institute of TechnologyP.O. Box 4, Klong LuangPathumthani 12120, Thailand

Tel: +66 2 524 5403 +66 2 524 5440Fax: +66 2 524 5439 +66 2 516 2126E-mail: bhatta@ait.ac.th

Dr. Sat SamyDeputy Director, Energy DepartmentMinistry of Industry, Mines and Energy (MIME)#47, Preah Norodom Blvd.Phnom Penh, Cambodia.Tel/Fax: +855 23 213575Mobile phone: +855 17 813 575E-mail: Samy@forum.org.kh

Mr. Chy CheapokHead of the Department of Energy and Electrical EngineeringCambodia Institute of TechnologyPochentong BoulevardP.O. Box 86 Phnom PenhCambodiaTel: +855 23 880 370 +855 23 982 445Fax: +855 23 880 369 +855 23 362 110E-mail: itc@camnet.com.kh