Impact

Imagine what affordable electricity can do…

Environmental and social benefits

Replacement of a fossil fuel driven driven electricity system with our 11kW renewable hybrid system reduces CO2 emissions. Approximately 145 tons of CO2 emissions per annum can be prevented on a project basis. In addition, use of stockpiled agricultural residues that would otherwise decay mitigates methane emissions which have 21 times greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide. Based on the UNFCCC methodology, implementation of one 11kW hybrid energy system will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 110 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. These carbon emission mitigations will occur directly from the commissioning of the power plants this year.

Running resilient business operations locally can aid communities under stress of climate change effects. Agroforestry systems, if implemented with care to local soil quality and water usage, are more resistant to significant climate and weather variations (droughts, flooding), providing more food security to small scale farmers.

By purchasing biomass from the surrounding community, we will guarantee a sustainable fuel supply and improve the local trade balance. This game-changing idea enables the telecom industry to make a transition from diesel to a renewable energy solution. IMG_0241Providing electricity to un-electrified villages or energy-have-nots should lead to higher productivity and income generation activities and should improve the lives of the people in these un-electrified areas. Currently the Pamoja project is in its start-up phase. A full scale commercial operation of the power plant has not started yet. As the company commences its full-scale operations over the next month or so, there will be more villagers signing up as customer. Also as the villagers gain more confidence in the Pamoja’s power plant, more and more villagers will put up micro-enterprises. IMG_0195

The full social impact of the operations will be realized over the next months.

Working together with community based organisations, we will facilitate a small business development and deliver a range of community services that are responsive to community needs.

Low income groups will benefit as consumers, direct employees (technician and operator), producers (farmers and cooperatives) and distributors (entrepreneurial opportunities). The electricity access provides a platform from which a range of local entrepreneurs can develop and scale up their own businesses. A range of community services can be provided to benefit low income consumers such as cell phone and battery charging, grain milling, welding and refrigeration which in turn have direct and flow-on effects. We engage actively with marginalized groups, women and youth at rural trade centers to maximize our positive impact.

Dedicated biomass plantations or agricultural residue sources of biomass will provide an additional income to farmers.