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NEWSLETTER:WREN INTERNATIONAL SEMINARS IN BRITIAN NO.0057
Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489 www.elsevier.com/locate/renene
WREN Newsletter
WREN International Seminars in Britain No. 0057—Renewable Energy World’s Best Energy Option Industrial Co-operation, Efficiency and Sustainability 30 November–7 December 2002 Old Ship Hotel, Brighton, UK
This year the seminar was special because it marked the 10th anniversary of WREN International Seminars in Britain. We are very grateful to the sponsors for their participation and financial support. Naming a few: the Commonwealth Science Council; Department of Trade and Industry; Elsevier Science Ltd., the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the British Council. The participants were highly qualified representing policy makers; industry; government agencies; international and UN agencies; decision makers; researchers; academia and managment. There were 22 participants representing 18 countries as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Mr Chales Bethel—Bahamas Dr Ali Al-Karaghouli—Bahrain Mr Andre Gillet—Belgium Dr Antonia S A C Diniz—Brazil Dr Marta Szabo—Hungary Ms Herliyani Suharta—Indonesia Dr Kaabi Nejadian—Iran Ms Nahid Sheikhstani—Iran Prof M N Makadsi—Iraq Mr Bashar Arafat—Jordan Ms Lulwa Ali—Kuwait
doi:10.1016/S0960-1481(03)00017-X
1482
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
Ms Lama Darghouth—Lebanon Mr Bernard Zingano—Malawi Prof Mohd ⌼ Othman—Malaysia Prof K Kamaruzzaman Sopian—Malaysia Dr Mohd H Ruslan—Malaysia Dr Faiq Billal—Morocco Dr Dorota Chwieduk—Poland Mr G Sokolowski—Poland Mr Bernard R O Fernando—Sri Lanka Mr Salvatory J S Mushi—Tanzania Dr Ozlem Onay—Turkey
There were 25 speakers from UK, USA, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and Italy. The seminar started with registration and welcome speech by the Director, Prof Ali Sayigh, on Saturday 30 November. On Sunday a special workshop on Innovation, Financing and Industrial Experience was organized by the Commonwealth Science Council and South Bank University, London and run by Dr Tony Day. Aims: The workshop had the following broad aims: – To present a range of experiences – relating to innovation, business development and success in commercial development. To stimulate discussions about the key issues pertinent to the participants. – To identify networking opportunities – To provide insight into barriers and solutions for renewable energy implementation.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1483
Structure: The day was divided into two parts. The morning session was given over to 3 industrial speakers from the UK representing a wide range of backgrounds: innovative solar PV materials manufacture, solar thermal systems, and biogas applications. The afternoon saw presentations from participants from Commonwealth countries, together with feedback and discussion with the whole group. 1. Introduction—Dr Tony Day The aims of the workshop were set out, together with the expectations for the participants to contribute as the day progressed. The work of the Commonwealth Science Council in the area of renewables was introduced, particularly the Renewable Energy Handbook currently under preparation in collaboration with South Bank University and Sheffield Hallam University. In particular the issues raised in Chapter 4 of the handbook were outlined. 2. Speaker I—Barry Holton, Plasma Quest Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 Use of innovative technology with a wide range of potential applications 앫 The move into photovoltaic applications after the collapse of the telecom market. 앫 The development of partnerships with government agencies (ETSU) and industrial partners.
1484
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
앫 Key clients included academic research departments. 앫 Projects contain a high degree of risk, with leading edge technology employed. 앫 Breakthroughs are expected in PV module costs and efficiency. 3. Speaker 2—Sharoukh Saba, Reyotech Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 Innovative ideas were formed at the time when oil prices were high. 앫 Location of the business was the fundamental decision at the outset. 앫 Northern Ireland was chosen due to availability of start-up grants, and assistance with training and capital. 앫 Once established some key markets collapsed due to fall in energy prices. 앫 Identification of a key market was necessary in this case Germany. 앫 Philosophy of this market choice was that if successful it would provide a strong platform to move to other countries. 앫 Unit costs of this product can be cheaper than competitor technologies given the right mix of automation and labour costs. The speaker shared thoughtful and constructive views of a successful business built on vision, hard work and commitment.
4. Speaker 3—Rafal Lewicki, Biogas Technology Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
Background of biogas applications, particularly landfill gas technologies. Advantages in using LFG. Size of the European and Global market potential. Costs of the technology Market environments, particularly in the UK where different subsidy mechanisms have been tried (NFFO and REO). 앫 The activities of the company in other countries. 앫 Operational experience of the company across a range of activities. In the afternoon three speakers gave the experiences and perspectives of their countries
5. Salvatory Mushi, Tanzania This was a presentation on renewable energy activities in Tanzania. It included the following facts:
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1485
앫 Rural energy demand made up 91% of the national demand (including traditional biomass). 앫 Showed the range of successes and failures of installed RE systems. 앫 Wind pump systems had a high failure rate due to lack of training and operational expertise. 앫 Potential for partnerships exist in solar thermal crop drying, a particularly important issue for Tanzania from the point of view of crop storage, health and export earnings. 앫 PV systems were concentrated around Dar es Salaam where the main companies are based. 앫 Biogas projects (using animal waste) were widespread, and shown to have many advantages. 앫 Policy developed for encouraging renewable energy in rural areas. A discussion followed about the current UK aid project promoting the use of diesel engines for clean water pumping. It was agreed that this should be followed up after the meeting.
6. Bernard Zingano, Malawi This was a brief presentation on initial reactions to some of the discussions of the day. 앫 Vacuum tube solar collectors had been identified as the most appropriate solar thermal technology for the country due to local high humidity, and long term life of the equipment. 앫 Partnerships and networks had already been strengthened as a result of this meeting. 앫 Landfill gas opportunities were not promising for Malawi. There was some discussion on this.
7. Charles Bethel, Bahamas A brief synopsis of the energy situation of the Bahamas was given. The aim of attending this workshop was to assist in developing a discussion paper for establishing an energy policy in the country. 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
All the inhabited islands have electricity grids connected to all residents. All power is from diesel generator sets. There is a policy of common tariffs across all the islands. A study 15 years ago ruled out PV as diesel was the least cost option. There may be a role for PV in the future. Good opportunities for solar thermal applications.
1486
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
앫 No landfill charges present a barrier to energy from waste schemes, as this income stream is absent (unless the policy is changed). 앫 Pollution from waste oil is a significant problem. Discussion followed on the importance of having an energy policy, and the emphasis that the environment should have within such a policy.
8. Rest of the programme From 1–6 December, many speakers gave lectures covering photovoltaic technology, solar heating, cooling, refrigeration and swimming pool heating, biomass and biogas, wind technology and economics, climate change, non-fossil fuels obligation and renewable energy obligation, mini and micro hydro, electricity liberalization market, UK renewable energy programme and low energy buildings. On Tuesday and Wednesday late afternoons, 12 participants gave presentations about their national programmes in renewable energy. The speakers were: Prof M N Makadsi; Prof K Sopian; Ms N Sheikhstani; Mr B R O Fernando; Dr A AlKaraghouli; Mr B Zingano; Ms H Suharta; Dr M H Ruslan; Mr B Arafat; Ms L Ali; Ms L Darghouth and Dr A S A Diniz.
9. Visit to London The visit to London was very successful with participants visiting the British Museum, shopping, visiting Solar Century with a lecture from Dr Jeremy Leggett, managing director and visited the PV roof demonstration.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1487
1488
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
In the afternoon a visit to the Greater London Authority’s new headquarters was greatly appreciated by the group. Following dinner the group attended the David Hall Memorial lecture which was delivered by Professor John Chesshire from Sussex University.
On Friday the closing ceremony was held. The Seminar evaluation questionnaire revealed an overwhelming positive response. The only criticism made was concerning the limited amount of free time for the participants in such an intensive course.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1489
The reaction of the participants can be summed up in the words of Mr Salvatory J S Mushi who wrote: “I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent imagination and innovation in creating an enabling environment to bring the different cultures from different countries together. I am very grateful for the sponsorship offered to me. Benefits derived from the seminar: 1. Experts from all over the World have been brought together to discuss a common goal of Utilization of Renewable Energy for Sustainable; 2. We shared new knowledge from the experience of different countries both the developing and the developed; 3. Through interaction, we exchanged physical addresses and emails for net working on the subject of renewable energy and formulating collaborative projects. Again, through the Seminar, The World became very small because we managed to establish a family relationship in Britain of 18 countries. Already the network has began to bear fruits.” The seminar speakers were: Dr Jim Coombs; Dr Robert Critoph; Prof Phil Earns; Prof Michael Hutchins; Mr Michael Jefferson; Mr Chris Shear; Mr John Buckley; Mr Tony Book; Prof David Elliott; Dr Arthur Williams; Dr Larry Kazmerski; Prof Marco Sala; Mr Martin Alder; Mr David Porter; Mr Steve Drummond, Dr Vahid Tabatabai; Mr David Milborow; Dr Nicole Towler, Dr Tony Day, Dr Rafal Lewicki; Mr Sharokh Sabba; Mr Barry Holton; Mr Andre Gillet; Prof M ⌼ Othman; and Prof Kamaruzzaman Sopian. The World Renewable Energy Network and myself are indebted to all the sponsors and speakers who made the 10th anniversary of WREN International Seminar in Britain dynamic and rewarding for all the participants. The next seminar is scheduled for 18–25 October 2003.
WREN Newsletter
WREN International Seminars in Britain No. 0057—Renewable Energy World’s Best Energy Option Industrial Co-operation, Efficiency and Sustainability 30 November–7 December 2002 Old Ship Hotel, Brighton, UK
This year the seminar was special because it marked the 10th anniversary of WREN International Seminars in Britain. We are very grateful to the sponsors for their participation and financial support. Naming a few: the Commonwealth Science Council; Department of Trade and Industry; Elsevier Science Ltd., the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the British Council. The participants were highly qualified representing policy makers; industry; government agencies; international and UN agencies; decision makers; researchers; academia and managment. There were 22 participants representing 18 countries as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Mr Chales Bethel—Bahamas Dr Ali Al-Karaghouli—Bahrain Mr Andre Gillet—Belgium Dr Antonia S A C Diniz—Brazil Dr Marta Szabo—Hungary Ms Herliyani Suharta—Indonesia Dr Kaabi Nejadian—Iran Ms Nahid Sheikhstani—Iran Prof M N Makadsi—Iraq Mr Bashar Arafat—Jordan Ms Lulwa Ali—Kuwait
doi:10.1016/S0960-1481(03)00017-X
1482
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
Ms Lama Darghouth—Lebanon Mr Bernard Zingano—Malawi Prof Mohd ⌼ Othman—Malaysia Prof K Kamaruzzaman Sopian—Malaysia Dr Mohd H Ruslan—Malaysia Dr Faiq Billal—Morocco Dr Dorota Chwieduk—Poland Mr G Sokolowski—Poland Mr Bernard R O Fernando—Sri Lanka Mr Salvatory J S Mushi—Tanzania Dr Ozlem Onay—Turkey
There were 25 speakers from UK, USA, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and Italy. The seminar started with registration and welcome speech by the Director, Prof Ali Sayigh, on Saturday 30 November. On Sunday a special workshop on Innovation, Financing and Industrial Experience was organized by the Commonwealth Science Council and South Bank University, London and run by Dr Tony Day. Aims: The workshop had the following broad aims: – To present a range of experiences – relating to innovation, business development and success in commercial development. To stimulate discussions about the key issues pertinent to the participants. – To identify networking opportunities – To provide insight into barriers and solutions for renewable energy implementation.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1483
Structure: The day was divided into two parts. The morning session was given over to 3 industrial speakers from the UK representing a wide range of backgrounds: innovative solar PV materials manufacture, solar thermal systems, and biogas applications. The afternoon saw presentations from participants from Commonwealth countries, together with feedback and discussion with the whole group. 1. Introduction—Dr Tony Day The aims of the workshop were set out, together with the expectations for the participants to contribute as the day progressed. The work of the Commonwealth Science Council in the area of renewables was introduced, particularly the Renewable Energy Handbook currently under preparation in collaboration with South Bank University and Sheffield Hallam University. In particular the issues raised in Chapter 4 of the handbook were outlined. 2. Speaker I—Barry Holton, Plasma Quest Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 Use of innovative technology with a wide range of potential applications 앫 The move into photovoltaic applications after the collapse of the telecom market. 앫 The development of partnerships with government agencies (ETSU) and industrial partners.
1484
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
앫 Key clients included academic research departments. 앫 Projects contain a high degree of risk, with leading edge technology employed. 앫 Breakthroughs are expected in PV module costs and efficiency. 3. Speaker 2—Sharoukh Saba, Reyotech Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 Innovative ideas were formed at the time when oil prices were high. 앫 Location of the business was the fundamental decision at the outset. 앫 Northern Ireland was chosen due to availability of start-up grants, and assistance with training and capital. 앫 Once established some key markets collapsed due to fall in energy prices. 앫 Identification of a key market was necessary in this case Germany. 앫 Philosophy of this market choice was that if successful it would provide a strong platform to move to other countries. 앫 Unit costs of this product can be cheaper than competitor technologies given the right mix of automation and labour costs. The speaker shared thoughtful and constructive views of a successful business built on vision, hard work and commitment.
4. Speaker 3—Rafal Lewicki, Biogas Technology Ltd The key issues raised by this speaker were: 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
Background of biogas applications, particularly landfill gas technologies. Advantages in using LFG. Size of the European and Global market potential. Costs of the technology Market environments, particularly in the UK where different subsidy mechanisms have been tried (NFFO and REO). 앫 The activities of the company in other countries. 앫 Operational experience of the company across a range of activities. In the afternoon three speakers gave the experiences and perspectives of their countries
5. Salvatory Mushi, Tanzania This was a presentation on renewable energy activities in Tanzania. It included the following facts:
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1485
앫 Rural energy demand made up 91% of the national demand (including traditional biomass). 앫 Showed the range of successes and failures of installed RE systems. 앫 Wind pump systems had a high failure rate due to lack of training and operational expertise. 앫 Potential for partnerships exist in solar thermal crop drying, a particularly important issue for Tanzania from the point of view of crop storage, health and export earnings. 앫 PV systems were concentrated around Dar es Salaam where the main companies are based. 앫 Biogas projects (using animal waste) were widespread, and shown to have many advantages. 앫 Policy developed for encouraging renewable energy in rural areas. A discussion followed about the current UK aid project promoting the use of diesel engines for clean water pumping. It was agreed that this should be followed up after the meeting.
6. Bernard Zingano, Malawi This was a brief presentation on initial reactions to some of the discussions of the day. 앫 Vacuum tube solar collectors had been identified as the most appropriate solar thermal technology for the country due to local high humidity, and long term life of the equipment. 앫 Partnerships and networks had already been strengthened as a result of this meeting. 앫 Landfill gas opportunities were not promising for Malawi. There was some discussion on this.
7. Charles Bethel, Bahamas A brief synopsis of the energy situation of the Bahamas was given. The aim of attending this workshop was to assist in developing a discussion paper for establishing an energy policy in the country. 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫 앫
All the inhabited islands have electricity grids connected to all residents. All power is from diesel generator sets. There is a policy of common tariffs across all the islands. A study 15 years ago ruled out PV as diesel was the least cost option. There may be a role for PV in the future. Good opportunities for solar thermal applications.
1486
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
앫 No landfill charges present a barrier to energy from waste schemes, as this income stream is absent (unless the policy is changed). 앫 Pollution from waste oil is a significant problem. Discussion followed on the importance of having an energy policy, and the emphasis that the environment should have within such a policy.
8. Rest of the programme From 1–6 December, many speakers gave lectures covering photovoltaic technology, solar heating, cooling, refrigeration and swimming pool heating, biomass and biogas, wind technology and economics, climate change, non-fossil fuels obligation and renewable energy obligation, mini and micro hydro, electricity liberalization market, UK renewable energy programme and low energy buildings. On Tuesday and Wednesday late afternoons, 12 participants gave presentations about their national programmes in renewable energy. The speakers were: Prof M N Makadsi; Prof K Sopian; Ms N Sheikhstani; Mr B R O Fernando; Dr A AlKaraghouli; Mr B Zingano; Ms H Suharta; Dr M H Ruslan; Mr B Arafat; Ms L Ali; Ms L Darghouth and Dr A S A Diniz.
9. Visit to London The visit to London was very successful with participants visiting the British Museum, shopping, visiting Solar Century with a lecture from Dr Jeremy Leggett, managing director and visited the PV roof demonstration.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1487
1488
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
In the afternoon a visit to the Greater London Authority’s new headquarters was greatly appreciated by the group. Following dinner the group attended the David Hall Memorial lecture which was delivered by Professor John Chesshire from Sussex University.
On Friday the closing ceremony was held. The Seminar evaluation questionnaire revealed an overwhelming positive response. The only criticism made was concerning the limited amount of free time for the participants in such an intensive course.
Newsletter / Renewable Energy 28 (2003) 1481–1489
1489
The reaction of the participants can be summed up in the words of Mr Salvatory J S Mushi who wrote: “I would like to express my appreciation for the excellent imagination and innovation in creating an enabling environment to bring the different cultures from different countries together. I am very grateful for the sponsorship offered to me. Benefits derived from the seminar: 1. Experts from all over the World have been brought together to discuss a common goal of Utilization of Renewable Energy for Sustainable; 2. We shared new knowledge from the experience of different countries both the developing and the developed; 3. Through interaction, we exchanged physical addresses and emails for net working on the subject of renewable energy and formulating collaborative projects. Again, through the Seminar, The World became very small because we managed to establish a family relationship in Britain of 18 countries. Already the network has began to bear fruits.” The seminar speakers were: Dr Jim Coombs; Dr Robert Critoph; Prof Phil Earns; Prof Michael Hutchins; Mr Michael Jefferson; Mr Chris Shear; Mr John Buckley; Mr Tony Book; Prof David Elliott; Dr Arthur Williams; Dr Larry Kazmerski; Prof Marco Sala; Mr Martin Alder; Mr David Porter; Mr Steve Drummond, Dr Vahid Tabatabai; Mr David Milborow; Dr Nicole Towler, Dr Tony Day, Dr Rafal Lewicki; Mr Sharokh Sabba; Mr Barry Holton; Mr Andre Gillet; Prof M ⌼ Othman; and Prof Kamaruzzaman Sopian. The World Renewable Energy Network and myself are indebted to all the sponsors and speakers who made the 10th anniversary of WREN International Seminar in Britain dynamic and rewarding for all the participants. The next seminar is scheduled for 18–25 October 2003.