developing an indigenous community electrification program
DESCRIPTION
Developing an Indigenous Community Electrification Program. Working with the Shonto Chapter. What, Why and How. Dr. Dean Howard Smith Professor, Economics and Applied Indigenous Studies. Development By Random Design. Sustainable Energy Solutions. “From Concept to Realization”. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
What, Why and How
Dr. Dean Howard SmithProfessor, Economics and Applied Indigenous Studies
Working with the Shonto Chapter
Sustainable Energy Solutions
“From Concept to Realization”The mission of the Sustainable Energy Solutions Group is to provide society with broadly educated energy experts and new technologies, as well as to help shape energy decision-making in both the private and public sectors while increasing the public's energy literacy.
Dean Smith
The issues facing the energy segment of the US economy are becoming increasingly significant as the markets become more concerned with deregulation, distribution and air quality issues. These issues include improved technologies for producing electricity and alternative technologies for renewable energy.
Tom Acker
Areas of research include renewable energy systems, aerodynamics, combustion instabilities, and high temperature gas dynamics. In addition, he is also involved in research developing small-scale renewable energy systems.
Sustainable Energy SolutionsThe TED team
TomEarlDean
Others as Needed
Sustainable Energy SolutionsFrom Concept to
RealizationMarket Outcomes
Navajo Solar Electrification Project2000-0118,000 homes without access to electricityEstimate $250 million
Navajo Electrification for Sustainable Development: The Potential Economic and Social Benefits Craig Bain, Crystal Ballentine, Anil DeSouza, Lisa Majure, Dean Howard, Jill TurekAmerican Indian Culture and Research Journal, 2004
Benefits of ElectrificationEconomic
DevelopmentCultural Integrity
Health ImprovementEducation
Improvement
Economic DevelopmentJobs with local
installation, maintenance and repair business
Expanded arts and crafts creation
Retail sales for appliances etc
Multiplier process
Cultural IntegrityDevelopment within a cultural contextDevelopment of the society within an
indigenous context – not just jobs and income Wind and Solar are renewable resources
Social and Cultural DevelopmentThis project involves far more than simply
putting solar panels on roofsLabor saving devices and appliancesFrees time for other activitiesSafety- outdoor lightingSingingDancing
Formal EducationFewer chores=more
time for homeworkBetter environment
for homework
Internet connections for some
Informal EducationMore time for
traditional stories and histories
Parents and grandparents will have more time for sharing knowledge
Merging two worlds
Arts and CraftsHome based businessesMore time and better environmentTraditional education component
Language PreservationInstallers
Associates degrees –general educationMore time for traditional stories and histories
Health ImprovementNutrition
With refrigerators there is opportunity to store food
The variety of foods available to the people can expand Vegetables Milk Frozen goods
Nutritional variation
Health ImprovementDiabetes
Insulin and other medications can be kept cool in a refrigerator
Telemedicine Avoids use of
kerosene in houses
Energy Development IssuesEnergy development can provide local jobs,
tribal income, and energy self-sufficiency, while also providing important contributions to the broader energy-hungry U.S. economy
At the same time, energy development can damage the earth, streams, air, and even tribal culture if not carried out in an environmentally and culturally respectful manner
There is an inherent compatibility between renewable energy and traditional values that respect the earth, air, and water
Shonto Electrification Project2005-present200+ houses without electricityLocal Governance Act (LGA)
First certified Chapter10 years!!!!!!!
Great Local LeadershipFormer/current NAU
studentsExciting community
atmosphere
Renewable Resource Assessment
Electrification
Resource Alternatives and Analysis
Business Plan
FinancingTransmission and other negotiations
Initial Energy Audit
Implementation and Construction
Mapping System design
StorageH2O, CA, Batteries
GenerationWind, Solar
Retrofit needs
Financing
Negotiations
Project evaluation
Priority listing
Financing
Energy Efficiency
Shonto Energy Planning and Implementation
Determining the Types of SystemsRemote isolated systems will be targeted for
stand alone units. Clustered housing can be targeted for shared
distributed systems – mini sun/wind farms. Installation and maintenance schedules can
be determined that minimize travel and other costs.
Which System for W
hich Home?
Business Plan
Financing
Implementation and Construction
System design
Retrofit needs
Shonto Electrification
The simple steps left
Locating Unserved HousesUsing GIS analysisMay require outside consultantUse census maps to locate all housesUse providers mapsCreate overlay and locate unserved unitsHave community meetings to confirm the
estimates
Identify the initial 20 homes
DONE
DONE
Arizona PolicyAPS credit $2/watt off-grid
Other providers?Green credits
25% AZ tax credit up to $1000Off reservation wages
Federal Tax Credit30% no limitand for piping or wiring to interconnect a
system to the homemay be carried forward to the succeeding
taxable year
Needs Assessment Process Development Due to the current lack of sustained
economic activity and the corresponding low income levels, few of the targeted households will be able to fully purchase and maintain the electrification systems.
However, many households will be able to make regular monthly partial payments. As such a family needs assessment process will be developed to determine each family’s ability to pay. Ability To Pay Analysis
MaintenanceMaintenance is ESSENTIALBattery systems regular schedules
Trained personnelToxic and environmentally hazardous
Solar panels – minimalCosts built into funding assessment
1. Clarify the relationship with the Arizona Sustainable Growth Fund and get a firm commitment
2. Negotiate with suppliers/installation company3. Install demonstration units
To Do List
To Do List For the ASGF1. Identify specific houses
1. DONE
2. Conduct retrofit assessments1. DONE
3. Conduct “needs” assessment, or ability to pay
1. Ability to purchase appliances2. DONE
Schedule education of householdsSchedule deliveries of equipment
Schedule installations
Business Startup1. Transition plan needs developing2. Work with CAIED on the details of the
business startup3. Develop pro forma business projections4. Identify initial investment needs5. How will the demand be developed?6. Remote system monitoring?7. Who will be the investors
1. Chapter?
Time to Create a New Reality
Now The Scary Step
Start the business!
“Why Renewable Energy?” Asks Dean