News 2011

Video about DEWATS

Wednesday, 28 December 2011

Since 2009 LIRE collaborates with BORDA (Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association) to disseminate Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Solutions (DEWATS) to reduce illnesses which are related to insufficient sanitary conditions and environmental pollution by sewage and wastewater. To impart a better understanding about the DEWATS approach a camera team accompanied our engineers and community facilitators to create a video which visualises our work. The video shows our DEWATS-engineers and community facilitators during the whole process of implementation at Khoualuang Primary School in Vientiane Capital.

Khoualuang Primary School’s compound was flooded up to 30cm height after every heavy rain. The surrounding canal system was to shallow both to deal with the high amount of solid waste and to cover high amounts of water coming from the main road and the neighborhood area. As a result bad odor occurred and the surrounding area was steadily polluted. Last but not least, toilets and basins were in very bad condition so that a save and hygienic use was not possible. In the context of School Based Sanitation (SBS) DEWATS has been successfully implemented as a cost-effective, low maintenance solution for wastewater treatment. Now, pupils and teachers of Khoualuang Primary School can teach, learn and play in a school with improved sanitation and a clean environment.

We invite you to watch the DEWATS video (in Lao) to get an imagination of our wastewater treatment solution. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions.

Start signal given for the 7th DEWATS plant for Khoualuang Temple and neighboured community

Wednesday, 21 December 2011

The scene of action is the Khoualuang Temple in the heart of Vientiane Capital. Already two years ago, a study about “Improvement of Water Environment in Vientiane City” identified this area as notably suitable for implementing a Decentralised Wastewater Treatment Solution (DEWATS). As a result, Khoualuang Primary School was identified for the first pilot project to improve the water environment going into the highly polluted drainage channels.

Almost two years later, LIRE-BORDA is about to construct of their 7th DEWATS plant in Lao PDR in line with the Lao Pilot Program for Narrowing the Development Gap towards ASEAN Integration (LPP Project). The LPP Project aims for the collaboration between private and public sectors to make an appropriate and sustainable use of nature, culture and history. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is supporting these joint efforts for improved sanitation within the sub-program “Clean, Green, Beautiful, Model Community” and is covering all of the implementation costs.

For LIRE-BORDA it is the second joint DEWATS project with JICA. This implementation will connect the Khoualuang Temple, the house of the monks and their school, as well as a further 16 households to a Decentralised Wastewater treatment system (DEWATS). Of course, this project will not only contain a working plan for the technical implementation but far more than just that. Specific attention will be paid to the social component of the DEWATS approach with community meetings, sanitation & hygiene education at the school from the temple as well as Health impact assessments (HIA) to measure the impact within the LPP Project.

LIRE-BORDA has experienced very good cooperation with JICA at Khoualuang Primary School and is now looking forward to implementing another DEWATS plant for clean, green, beautiful communities near-by Khoualuang Temple in Vientiane Capital. The contract for a joint cooperation development is signed; the first community meeting is conducted and the last technical adjustments are completed. The initial ground breaking ceremony for the project will be on 23rd December 2011 and marks the start sign for the 7th DEWATS plant in Lao PDR for “improved sanitation for all”.

Outcomes from Climate Change discussions in COP 17

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Late on Saturday, rather early on Sunday morning, it is around 6 am that the delegates gathered in Durban to finally reached a deal to seal the COP 17.

This agreement reached two days beyond Friday’s scheduled closing cannot be considered as a full success of the negotiation but match the unfortunately expected outcomes.

According to UNFCCC, these outcomes cover a wide range of topics, notably the establishment of a second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol, a decision on long-term cooperative action under the Convention, and the operationalization of the Green Climate Fund.

However, what they call a second commitment of Kyoto Protocol (KP), the only legally binding agreement, looks like more to a road map with objectives in 2015 and application in 2020.

On the second main chapter, financing of climate change consequences, despite the disagreements a deal was reached on common but differentiated responsibilities and the funding mechanism, known as the Green Climate Fund got its framework but without fund!

COP 17, Durban, summary of the first week

Friday, 09 December 2011

The first week of negotiations at the COP 17 started last Monday 28th November and intended to prepare the negotiations by presenting a draft decision on each sub-group of negotiations to be further agreed on week 2.

According to NGOs this first week has been sound and very smooth. The main points have addressed both the Kyoto protocol second commitment and climate financing. No-one is surprised at the expected positions of the negotiating parties and once again the main issues have centered around Annex I countries (countries that historically emit high levels of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG)) especially the USA and leading developing countries (like China, India and Brazil).

Kyoto Protocol

The talks have been dominated by the fate of the Kyoto Protocol (KP), which expires next year in 2012. Expectations are high, especially for the least developed countries, as the protocol represents the only legally binding agreement in action which commits Annex I (A1) countries to reducing their emissions.

Tensions have continued between developing countries on the one hand, who are willing to maintain the protocol, and some other A1 countries that continue to oppose a Kyoto extension if no additional countries accept binding rules on emissions. This means that the USA won’t move forward if China (the second biggest emitter to date) is not willing to join. There are even rumors suggesting that Canada could leave the existing protocol and is lobbying other countries to follow suit...

Perhaps the most significant development for the week however, was the emergence of the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) as a formal negotiating bloc. Hopes were raised last Thursday, when China said that it would be open to talks on a Kyoto extension.

Financing: The Green Fund,

Under the LCA area of negotiation, the main discussion centered around various technical aspects, with emphasis on financing adaptation and mitigation through the green fund. This new fund was agreed in the COP 16 in Copenhagen, but since then, this fund remains an empty shell. As the Kyoto Protocol is unfortunately likely to fail to progress to a second commitment period (after 2012), the mitigation argument is losing ground to the adaptation lobby. However, adaptation will require substantial funds. The most vulnerable countries, such as Laos, Cambodia and most African countries need financial support to reduce their vulnerability to Climate Change effects. Hence this green fund needs the legal framework and adequate mechanisms to transform former pledges into action. Nonetheless, it is hoped significant progress will be possible, despite some reservations from several countries such as the US and Saudi Arabia.

The second week welcomed the official delegations (ministers and presidents) who have the hard job to give their final approval and reach an agreement. Each country will make a statement, Lao PDR will be represented by Mr Akham Tounalom, Vice Minister of Natural Resources and Environment on Thursday, 8th at afternoon time.

Adaptation: NAPs (National Adaptation Plans)

At the end of the first week, the chair sensed progress towards an agreement and asked parties to consider draft conclusions (FCCC/SBI/2011/L.36). Noting that the entire text would remain bracketed, he suggested bringing the issue to the attention of the COP President. Parties agreed to this approach.

Generally speaking, most eyes look at mitigation rather than adaptation, letting developing countries on a voluntary basis action.

LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry):

In afternoon informal consultations, delegates discussed a revised non-paper by the co-facilitators. On definitions, a party discussed his proposal on a definition on forests, noting that this would introduce a comprehensive vision of forests as systems of life that have multiple functions. One party noted that changing the definition of forests for a second commitment period could bring difficulties in terms of implementation and accounting. A group of countries presented their revised baseline proposal to account for forest management. Parties will continue working on the text until Monday and any additions will be integrated into a new revised version of the non-paper.

LIRE attends the COP-17 as observer party

Monday, 28 November 2011

Lao Institute for Renewable Energy has been selected to join the delegation representing the Lao Civil Society Organizations (CSO) at the Conference Of the Parties number 17 (COP 17) in Durban, South Africa between 28th November and 9th December 2011.

This high level meeting is to address the international response to climate change. Almost two decades ago, 154 nations signed an international treaty, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to cooperatively consider what they could do to limit average global temperature increases and their resulting effects on climate, and how to cope with whatever impacts of climate change which were, by then, inevitable. This was in 1992; in 1995 the convention initiated negotiations which lead to the Kyoto Protocol. To date, UNFCCC numbers 195 member countries, who will all gather in Durban in November-December this year. More than 1000 non-profit organizations will participate as observers.

LIRE, a national CSO, for the first time will be present thanks to a special programme - “Strengthening Capacity Building of the Asian LDCs to be Climate Resilient” (SCALCR) dedicated to national non-profit organizations. This programme is supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and gathers together local non-profit organizations from Nepal, Cambodia, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Laos. It aims to enhance CSOs’ participation in the complex process of climate change negotiations and build local capacities to work more effectively with national governments to defend LDCs’ position at an international level.

The first step in this programme was to support the Lao delegation, especially the Climate Change Office (a department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, MONRE), during the “the preparatory meeting for COP 17”. LIRE successfully represented Lao CSOs capacity with 3 presentations, on NAMA, the Kyoto Protocol and CDM-Renewable Energy respectively. It was an opportunity to meet the Lao delegation and exchange ideas on LIRE’s involvement during the COP 17, and how to work towards common objectives with the Lao delegation.

Further news will be published on our website to follow up on the COP 17 negotiations and of course to find out what solutions will be agreed for the Kyoto Protocol.

LIRE 5th Year Anniversary

Friday, 25 November 2011

Five years ago, Lao PDR saw the birth of its first institute dedicated to renewable energy. The end of November 2011 marks the 5th anniversary of this unique place, which enables the development of environmental and energy solutions in Lao PDR.

The Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) is a local non-profit organization with the mission to continuously look at a range of alternative energy solutions. Unfortunately, rural populations usually pay the price for their limited access to technology by living in difficult conditions. LIRE works to alleviate this poverty by providing affordable and appropriate solutions. Over the last 5 years LIRE has expanded and begun to address more basic needs relating to environmental concerns. LIRE’s expansion confirms its founders’ expectation about the need in Lao PDR for an independent organization dedicated to research, testing, modeling and implementation of alternative energy solutions and the answers to environmental issues.

Over 5 years, LIRE

Has produced more than 60 data studies covering topics from agriculture, such as “Micronutrient of Jatropha fertilization”, rural electrification economic models, participation in the biofuels national policy, and technical studies, such as “Bio-Renewable Energy Financing Study”.
Has produced over 10 manuals dedicated to end users, such has, “How to grow Jatropha curcas manual”, “Safety installation pico-hydro manual”, “Let’s learn water environment, hygiene and sanitation”, and “Water purification training manual”.
Has welcomed more than 20 Lao interns and provided them with their first work experience.
Has welcomed more than 12 international interns and 10 international volunteers.

LIRE has been proving its dynamic approach and the quality of its work for the past five years. Thanks to key funding partners (such as Sunlabob), LIRE has grown steadily and has been able to work with an increasing number of donors in order to integrate more diverse projects into our work in Lao PDR, such as the long term collaboration with BORDA on decentralised drinking water purification and wastewater treatment.

What to expect in the future

LIRE will register under the latest Lao decree to comply with NPA status. LIRE will welcome this opportunity to change its name to reflect the reality of its activities and create a new LIRE section dedicated to environmental management.

Nowadays, LIRE’s activities engage with climate change issues and we constantly work to meet the challenge of encouraging Lao PDR to adopt environmental solutions (including energy alternatives). LIRE with its diverse mix of staff from different backgrounds, both foreign and Lao, realises well the challenges in the development here. The primary needs are for local capacity building, training, and developing both knowledge and expertise in the area of sustainable development, especially with respect to economic, environmental, social development. This capacity and expertise gap is one of the key challenges that LIRE faces ahead in the years to come.

Renewable energy, water and sanitation’s Enthusiasts mark the World Toilet Day!

Thursday, 24 November 2011

The highlight of LIRE’s presence at the Women International Group (WIG) Bazaar on Saturday 19th of November, was marked by the BIG SQUAT event as part of the celebration of the World Toilet Day that happened to be on the same day.

LIRE team informed the public about its activities at its booth all day long, but LIRE lead a special event at 3 pm, when more than 60 students participated to the big squat. The concept was to raise awareness about sanitation and domestic hygiene issues. LIRE received very positive feedbacks, and the information was relayed by Lao TV as well the Vientiane Times newspaper.

For more information, please read the article published in the Vientiane Times.

Please also visit the Lao TV website to watch the interview (in French language).

LIRE thanks all the visitors and participants and hope to see you to the next event. The highlight of LIRE’s presence at the Women International Group (WIG) Bazaar on Saturday 19th of November, was marked by the BIG SQUAT event as part of the celebration of the World Toilet Day that happened to be on the same day.

Announcement about the WORLD TOILET DAY

Friday, 18 November 2011

The Lao Institute for Renewable Energy would like to announce the celebration of the World Toilet Day (19/11/11) at the WIG Bazaar (faculty of Engineering).
LIRE's commitment for sanitary issues and improving conditions in Lao PDR has conducted us to remind about the World Toilet Day. LIRE will celebrate the World Toilet Day at November the 19th at the Women's International Group Bazaar in Vientiane.

Our main purpose is to raise awareness about sanitary issues and available solutions in Lao PDR. Therefore we are intending to create "The Big Squat Vientiane" at WIGs Bazaar at 3 pm to point out in a humorous way this issue that nobody really likes to talk about. Moreover, we will have an interactive public event and even a prize quiz!

LIRE's booth will wait for your visit and your participation at 3 pm...

Energy for All, High-level International Conference in Oslo

Wednesday, 16 November 2011

LIRE was invited to participate in the high-level international conference on Energy for All - Financing Access for the Poor organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway, which took place in Oslo, Norway, on 10-11 October 2011.

The objective of the conference is to accelerate progress towards the crucial worldwide needs to providing energy access for all.
To this end, the conference explored financing mechanisms and supporting policies for increased energy access for the poor in the context of a more sustainable energy future. The discussions lead to common points which will be a stepping stone towards the coming COP17 Summit to be held in Durban (LIRE will also attend this event) and the UN Conference on Sustainable Development "Rio 2012" in June next year.

Furthermore, the conference launched "The International United-Nations Year 2012 of Sustainable Energy". The General Assembly of the United Nations decided to put a special emphasis in 2012 to campaign for sustainable energy. LIRE, thanks to its unique knowledge in energy related issues and of the local context, hopes to be a central facilitator for Lao PDR through the development and research of more projects giving access to better energy for the poor.

The conference brought together governments (Mr Soulivong Daravong, Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR), international organizations (Mr Ban Ki-moon, UN General Secretary), finance institutions (Ms. Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Managing director of WB), the private sector (of which Sunlabob Renewable Company as representative of Lao PDR) and Centers of Excellence of in about 30 countries working in the field of renewable energy (e.g. Lao Institute for Renewable Energy). This high level conference provided an opportunity for all these players to discuss best practices in related policy design, in aid and investment financing schemes and successful implementation in supporting sustainable business models increasing energy access. Practical steps that have been taken to attract private investment in energy and climate financing were as well presented.

The invitation of a LIRE’s representative to this major event shows the growing recognition of the organization to be part of the key players on the international scene as well for its quality of research and work conducted in the field of renewable energy in Lao PDR. We look forward for more cooperation with institutional organizations, governments and financing institutions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The quiet energy revolution in Laos

Tuesday, 08 November 2011

Edward Allen, the Technical Programme Coordinator at the Lao Institute of Renewable Energy (LIRE) and Technical Advisor at Sunlabob recently had an article, which talks about how a quiet energy revolution is taking hold in Laos, published in the Bangkok Post.

The article also mentions how 20,000 Lao households have power from Solar Home Systems, an impressive statistic for a poor country.

To read the Bangkok Post article, please click here.

2nd Annual DEWATS Workshop gathers interested stakeholders of the WASH sector

Thursday, 03 November 2011

For almost two years LIRE has cooperated with BORDA Germany to disseminate decentralized Basic Needs Services (BNS) within implementing proven decentralized wastewater treatment solutions (DEWATS) in Lao PDR. Besides planning, technical implementation and management of customized DEWATS plants LIRE also aims to raise awareness and to spread information about this sustainable approach of wastewater treatment. For this reason LIRE invited government departments, the National University of Laos, colleges, international and national nongovernmental organizations as well as private companies to the 2nd Annual DEWATS Workshop (2nd ADW) in the International Training and Cooperation Centre (ICTC) Vientiane on 30th September 2011.

The main objectives were to raise awareness about the opportunities delivered by community based sanitation and to enhance their knowledge about the different approaches for wastewater treatment (CBS, SBS and SME). LIRE and 33 participants discussed together the question of how the DEWATS programme can be developed, considering the unique regional conditions and how further projects for schools and communities can be carried out. The discussion encouraged all interested stakeholders to give suggestions and to exchange their knowledge for improvements. The outcome was an agreement about the necessity of wastewater treatment in Lao PDR and for ongoing direct and indirect promotion for DEWATS to develop further projects. In addition to this verbal agreement, LIRE and his partners works hard to implement the proposed actions, funds and government support in the near future.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you want to join the 3rd ADW in 2012 and to support LIRE-BORDA to provide improved sanitation in Lao PDR.

LIRE stepped into Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) – Better, cleaner, and tested at LIRE

Wednesday, 26 October 2011

Though the national government targets related to electrification are hugely important for Lao PDR, actually for 69% of the rural population firewood and charcoal are their primary sources of energy. Furthermore even when electrification does come to an area, cooking with firewood and charcoal continues as before. Though fuel use is a big issue, and it would be useful to find more efficient stoves which use less wood, actually open fires are already amazingly efficient (85% combustion efficiency) and the focus is therefore usually on transferring that heat to the cook pot more efficiently rather that expecting much better combustion performance.

But actually a far bigger problem is not how much or little wood that the stove burns, as important as that obviously is, because though thermal performance is useful a thermally poorly performing stove will just mean more firewood needs to be gathered.

Article on renewable energy in Laos published in Indian Journal

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

In July 2011, LIRE was contacted by Indian bi-monthly renewable energy international journal "InWind Chronicle" to contribute an article about the status of renewable energy in Laos. Due to the main theme of the journal, LIRE, for the first time, had to explore briefly wind potential. Since its establishment in 2006, LIRE’s expertise and extensive work in renewable energy and rural electrification has been growing continuously, both domestically and internationally.
As a key stakeholder in the field of renewable energy research, LIRE is pleased to publish its findings and recommendations in "InWind Chronicle".

Please download the full article here.

LIRE is looking for partners to continue its pico-hydropower programme

Friday, 23 September 2011

Together, in partnership with ETC Energy, the Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) conducted a 2 years relevant programme called "Pico-hydropower innovation and capacity building programme".

For more information, please download the summary of the programme.

Although the programme was a success and lifts living standards of thousands of people in 3 Northern provinces, the programme ended in December 2010 without giving the possibility to be extended to others provinces.

The programme included knowledge dissemination and capacity building for end-users as well as supply-chain intermediaries. Therefore, the programme included an extensive work in knowledge management, through the awareness of good use of pico-hydropower system. An example of our materials targeting users can be download here:
Pico-Hydro Innovation and Capacity Building Programme.

While the pico-hydropower basic technology is the most widely used form of off-grid rural electrification especially in the northern part of the Lao PDR, it receives only scant attention from international donors. The pico-hydropower in the Lao PDR is a sustainable, renewable and economically viable system. Overall, it allows a fast and secured independency for remote population. Still, it requires further improvement in terms of reliability, efficiency and safety especially in provinces where the programme was not implemented. The increase in access to this technology can be made through the enhancement of community based sharing, the formulation of appropriate government policies and the expansion in investment for off-grid electrification projects. LIRE is still very keen to pursue these goals by supporting the development of academic and research capacity and to propagate its model system of shared pico-hydropower with other partners.

Please do not hesitate to contact us or visit us directly if you have an interest in pico-hydropower or Laos' development.

Thesis from Ajan Soukvilay VILAVONG

Tuesday, 16 August 2011

The Lao Institute for Renewable Energy is delighted to share the results of a thesis written by Mr. Soukvilay VILAVONG, a master’s student from Udon Thani Rajabhat University. The thesis, titled "Effects of different spacing and fertlisation on growth and seed yield of the physic nut (Jatropha curcas l.) in the first year of plantation' intents to identify:
appropriate techniques for Jatropha cultivation suitable spacing and proper fertilization to increase the yield"

Please download the thesis here.

The topic of the thesis is in line with the Lao PDR government's goal to reduce the import of fossil fuels. At present, 100% of its consumption comes from imported sources, increasing risks linked to dependency to external factors.

The use of fossil fuels is likely to augment according to the deputy manager of Lao States Fuel, who estimates an average of consumption growth by 7% every year.

The thesis supports the cultivation of feasible feedstock crops for bio-diesel production as a substitute for fossil fuel. As part of one of its programme, LIRE supported Mr. Vilavong since 2008 up to 2010 in his goal to achieve high quality results.

The thesis consists of a series of field studies (plot design, transplantation, fertilization, weed control, harvesting, and data collection) conducted on an experiment. The experiment was conducted on approximately 1 hectare field owned by the Lao State Fuel Company, located close by Vientiane. The experimental work received the help of students from Dongkhamxang Agriculture Technical School (DATS).

LIRE congratulates Mr. Ajan Soukkvilay on the completion of his theses and wishes him the best of luck for his future endeavors.

LIRE hosts training on Auditing and Quality Management Standards for DEWATS

Tuesday, 26 July 2011

From July 12th to 15th 2011, the Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) welcomed 6 engineers from the BORDA South East Asian (SEA) Network for training on Auditing and Quality Management Standards (QMS) conducted by an expert from BORDA Indonesia. The engineers from Cambodia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Laos who are responsible for the design and construction of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) in their respective home countries were introduced to the Auditing and Labeling procedures within the network. To ensure that each partner implements the system correctly making DEWATS a high quality product, control measures have been developed. As such, it is obligatory that constructed systems are controlled and audited by an engineer from a partner organization. During the four days training, the staff learnt how to conduct such an audit. The training included an audit of the pilot DEWATS CBS and SBS systems constructed in Vientiane. For that purpose all relevant documents starting from the feasibility study to the final commissioning form were reviewed and non conformities were noted. Most importantly, the project sites were visited where each component was controlled for its functioning and possible deviations from standards were observed. Good news, no deviations were founded on the DEWATS sites presently implemented in Laos!

LIRE-DEWATS team is happy to have received both such high level quality training and valuable recommendations to move forward into the international auditing process. All DEWATS projects will benefit of this expertise ensuring high quality standards for the users.

Financing Bio-Renewable Energy (BRE) in the LAO PDR

Thursday, 14 July 2011

In 2010, LIRE was commissioned by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) to assess the sector of bio-renewable energy (BRE) financing and formulate suggestions to accelerate and scale up BRE penetration in the Lao PDR.

LIRE is delighted to share with you results of this study entitled: Bio-Renewable Energy Financing Study. We have this report in the following formats:

The full final report in English language
The brochure in English language highlighted the most significant outcomes
The brochure in Lao language highlighted the most significant outcomes (available 18th of July)

This work aimed to answer two central questions. Firstly, what are the existing financing mechanisms for BRE in Lao PDR? Secondly, how can they be improved in order to accelerate and scale-up BRE penetration in the Lao PDR energy market?

Inside the report was a comprehensive description of actors and financing mechanisms available in 2010 for projects in the Lao PDR. In this report BRE included small scale solar, hydropower, and any biomass-based energy source. Interventions were suggested that may help to accelerate and scale-up BRE penetration in the Lao PDR energy market. Such recommendations included supportive governmental regulatory policies to BRE financing and/or the development of financial risk management/assessment tools.

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Information Sharing Tools on Renewable Energy for the Lao PDR

Monday, 11 July 2011

LIRE under the assignment of Helvetas Laos is delighted to share with you the latest report on Information Sharing Tools on Renewable Energy in Lao PDR.

Please click here to view the full report: "Information Sharing Tools on Renewable Energy in Lao PDR". Otherwise you can download it directly in the section data and research, part General renewable energy information.

Helvetas Laos and LIRE decided to ask an important question in this report: How to scale up access to RE information in Lao PDR?
After years of study in this sector, it has been noticed that access to information is one of the main bottlenecks for the development of the Lao rural renewable energy sector. The demand is most of the time coming from international organisations and institutions, but rarely from the Lao people themselves. At present all actors and end-users are making energy choices based on incomplete information and the lack of adequate knowledge in order to successfully begin projects at all. Furthermore, they also face significant technical limitations in implementing their projects. Also, in general in Lao PDR, users and actors suffer from inaccurate perceptions of the real costs of energy resources (both renewable and non-renewable) and are often unaware of opportunities already available to them here.

The study was composed of 2 main parts. The first part aimed at listing and analysing what already existed in terms of information sharing in Lao PDR, with respect to Renewable Energy (RE), as well as the Mekong sub region. Whereas, the second part of the study proposed important recommendations on how to improve access to RE information for Lao population themselves and the main stakeholders active in the field of RE in Lao-PDR.

The study in addition included also a questionnaire focusing on Lao PDR and enquired about RE stakeholders’ needs for RE information sharing tools. You can find all the detail of the questionnaire in the report.

Please do not hesitate to contact Helvetas Laos or us with any questions that you may have.
Helvetas Laos : email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.helvetas-laos.org LIRE: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Let’s learn about water hygiene and sanitation

Wednesday, 29 June 2011

Knowledge is power!

This simple truth has become the base for sanitation projects implemented by the Lao Institute of Renewable Energy (LIRE). In 2010 LIRE, in collaboration with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) started the first pilot projects introducing Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) to a community (CBS) and a primary school (SBS) in Vientiane. These projects were carried out in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Public Works and Transport Institute (PTI) as part of their study on the Improvement of Water Environment in Vientiane City.

One major component of these pilot projects as well as the study was educational measures concerning the linkage between sanitation health and the environment. For that purpose, a side reader was developed: Let’s Learn Water Environment, Hygiene and Sanitation. This side reader is one of the first tools on health and environmental education to be developed in the Lao PDR and available in English and in Lao language. It provides primary students and community members with information on how they can improve health conditions by adopting the right behavior and practices. These lessons are to be taught in theory and practical workshops, combining lectures as well as indoor and outdoor activities. After such workshops have been successful conducted at the two DEWATS pilot sites, Khualuang Primary School and Thongkhankham village, LIRE-BORDA, JICA and PTI began this year to disseminate the side reader to primary schools in Vientiane. Several workshops were conducted to inform the Education Department of each district in Vientiane and the respective primary school heads about the purpose of the book and how it can be taught to students.

The training of trainers is aimed at increasing the overall awareness on the importance of proper hygienic habits to reduce water pollution and the risks of health hazards.

LIRE is proud to present a compilation of key information regarding biofuels investments in the Lao PDR

Saturday, 11 June 2011

"Investment in Biofuels" is part of a 6-issue brief series developed by Poverty-Environment Initiative (PEI). The purpose of the series of briefs is "to provide evidence-based information and practical policy options to support transformation of the Lao economy towards a sustainable pro-poor development".

The Biofuels brief aims to provide key information for decision-makers on investments in the production and use of biofuels in the Lao PDR.

In recognition of recent trends in consumption and concerns over escalating global oil prices, the Lao government set an ambitious target to substitute 10% of fossil fuel with biofuels by 2025. This goal is driving a growing interest in Bio-energy. Since its establishment, LIRE has been disseminating information and developing solutions to support this objective. Thus far, LIRE has implemented over 10 projects as part of its bioenergy programme. Due to its vast experience in the bioenergy field, LIRE, as IUCN’s partner was asked to develop this Biofuels brief.

For the brief, LIRE’s task was to provide an overview of the biofuel sector in the Lao PDR and give key recommendations supporting the Lao national strategy on biofuels. The first section presents an assessment of the current energy and biofuel consumption in laos. The second section focuses on the key issues surrounding investments in biofuel and includes environmental and economical data, and the final section provides policy recommendations for different stakeholders.

The 6-issue brief series includes:

Biofuels investments
Forestry investments
Gender investments
Hydropower investments
Mining investments' impacts
Plantation investments' impacts

You can read and download the full document (Investments in Biofuels, available in English and Lao) in the data & resarch section (under the section Bio-energy).

For the other briefs, you can download them on the website of PEI (under the last section, "key documents for PEI Lao PDR").

630 families benefit from Solar Water Purification System in rural Laos

Friday, 27 May 2011

Five off-grid villages in Mahasay district, Khammouane province in Lao PDR, can enjoy purified drinkable water since the beginning of May. This project will enable, approximately, 3900 people to have clean, reliable and affordable drinking water supply thanks to solar panels which provide electricity to the system.

LIRE was delighted to officially hand the project on villagers on the 18 of May at the occasion of an inaugural ceremony with provincial, LIRE and Sunlabob's representatives. The project was implemented by LIRE in partnership with Sunlabob Renewable Energy Ltd. In 2010, LIRE received funds from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The GEF programme sponsors activities that conserve and restore the environment while enhancing people's well-being and livelihoods.

The state-of-art water purification technology can produce 80 bottles of 20 litres per hour. In addition, to ensure that highest quality standards are met, LIRE and Sunlabob will regularly test the water in the coming years. The Solar Water Purification Systems (SWPS) has both environment and social impacts. Previously, villagers had to collect firewood or purchase charcoal to boil water that was time consuming. Moreover, the burning of firewood also gave off harmful fumes. With the SWPS, carbon dioxide emission is reduced significantly as burning of firewood is no longer needed.

For the systems operations, an entrepreneur is chosen through a village committee to be in charge of the distribution of water, and technicians are trained to maintain and sustain the system. Hence, the system belongs to villagers who agree about prices through the village committee.

The SWPS has many advantages and is expected to be replicated and expanded throughout the Lao PDR. It is good for the environment as it reduces the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere). Socially, it allows villages to have a new source of income with in turn improves the villagers' living conditions.

LIRE strives to continuously secure funds to scale-up such positive project.

LIRE supports festivities for World Environment Day at the National University of Laos

Wednesday, 25 May 2011

World Environment Day is held annually on June 5th to raise awareness on environmental issues and inspire people to take action. This year, the Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) will be supporting the Social Environmental Education and Development (SEED) volunteer group of the Faculty of Environmental Science at the National University of Laos during their festivities held from June 3 to 5.

The event aims to promote an understanding of environmental conservation as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, particularly focusing on biodiversity, and the forest as a natural ecosystem. Lao students in particular are encouraged to exchange ideas about ecological problems and their possible solutions.

LIRE will take part in the celebrations by sharing its expertise in the renewable energy and water pollution fields. A lecture will be given to introduce bioenergy and its link to biodiversity and forests to the students and also give a brief introduction on the projects LIRE is carrying out in this field. A second presentation will focus on water pollution and the importance of appropriate wastewater treatment. Since 2009, in collaboration with the German NGO BORDA, LIRE has been focusing on finding sustainable alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment solutions through Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS).

At the university, LIRE will setup an information booth to showcase their work on wastewater treatment solutions. Moreover, since this year’s World Environmental Day theme is “Forests: Nature at your service” LIRE will sponsor trees to be planted at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.

If you are interested in celebrating World Environment Day with us, please join us on 3rd of June at the Faculty of Environmental Science at the NUoL.

Celebrating Earth Day in Laos

Friday, 29 April 2011

World Earth Day is held annually on April 22nd to inspire awareness and appreciation of the Earth's natural environment. Throughout the world, people unite to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote a sustainable handling of our natural resources. This year, LIRE-BORDA supported the celebrations organised by the US embassy in Laos.

Over 235 Lao students from primary schools to college level attended the event, held at the Lao American College, and learnt more about planet earth. The Lao Science Union from Luang Prabang provided 4 microscopes for students to discover even the smallest particles that come from our planet. Since it was the first time for many of the students and adults to look through a microscope, this activity was highly popular. Students could also compare a probe of water taken from the next drainage channel with all that is living in it and clean drinking water. This left a strong impression to all on the importance of clean drinking water.

Focusing on water, LIRE-BORDA supported the event by conducting a variety of educational activities. In different stories and games the kids discovered more about life underwater, the eco-system and the threats posed by human activities. Also, through a variety of practical activities, students learnt about importance of proper hand washing. There were also several stations set up that informed students about simple, every day tips on how to be more “green”, such as using canvas shopping bags instead of plastic bags.

It is Time to think about the Earth

Wednesday, 20 April 2011

On 22nd of April, World Earth Day will be held to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. Throughout the world, people join annually together to raise awareness for environmental issues and promote a sustainable handling of our natural resources. In Lao PDR, the Lao Institute for Renewable Energy (LIRE) will support the US embassy to Lao PDR to teach young students about the environment and science at the Lao American College. The US embassy is sponsoring this event and organizing a variety of activities for the students to take part in and raise awareness for our environment. For example, the young pupils will get a chance to use a microscope and discover even the smallest particles and living things occurring on our earth. LIRE will make use of part of its practical program for students to teach the students through a variety of activities on the linkage between water, contamination, health and the environment. If you are interested to see these activities live and in colour, join us on Friday 22nd 2011 from 9 to 12:30 at the Lao American College.

To know more about the US embassy’s in the Lao PDR, please follow this link: laos.usembassy.gov

If you are interested to see what is happening throughout the world for Earth Day, please follow this link: http://act.earthday.org/events/search/distance/10006

Inauguration of the first pilot School Based Sanitation project in Lao PDR

Friday, 01 April 2011

On March 16, 2011, the official inauguration and handing over ceremony for the first School Based Sanitation (SBS) Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System (DEWATS) project in Vientiane, Lao PDR took place. This project, at Khualuang Primary School and near Buddhist Temple, was implemented by LIRE-BORDA in collaboration with the Public Works and Transport Institute (PTI) and the support of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of the JICA Team Study on “Improvement of Water Environment in Vientiane City”. The ceremony concluded the end of the project, officially transferring the ownership to the School owner and users.

SBS projects aim to improve the sanitation conditions for schools with improper or no waste water treatment, such as the Khualuang Primary School, through a variety of measures including the construction of a DEWATS. To ensure a sustainable improvement to health and sanitary conditions, this simple technology-based solution is accompanied by a variety of social interventions. The school’s toilets were renovated and upgraded, and trainings, operation and maintenance of the system were carried out as well as health and hygiene education for the teachers and students. Since the beginning of the year, the system has been fully operational and providing treatment for the 87 pupils from the school, the 4 teachers and the 25 monks living at the neighbouring Vat Khualuang.

The handing over ceremony was attended by students and staff as well as representatives from concerned sectors. Representatives from the parties involved in the implementation of the DEWATS system gave speeches, and the system was officially handed over by Mr. Yoshiharu YONEYAMA, Senior Representative of JICA in Laos to the Chanthabuly District.

Mr. Saythong KEODUANGDY, the district governor expressed his gratitude to the whole project team, JICA, PTI, and LIRE- BORDA. Following the official ceremony, the guests visited the DEWATS plant and discussed its functioning on site to learn about the technology.

LIRE-BORDA constructs sanitation facility for community, school and temple in Vientiane

Thursday, 06 January 2011

LIRE-BORDA is pleased to announce that the construction of two Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) in Thonkankham village, Khoualuang Primary School, and Khoualuang temple in Vientiane, Laos have been completed, marking a good start to the new year. The DEWATS were jointly implemented by LIRE-BORDA and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which funded the projects in cooperation with the Public Work and Transport Institute (PTI). As part of JICA’s Master Plan on Improvement of Water Environment in Vientiane, the DEWATS implementation serve as pilot projects for the Community Based Sanitation (CBS) and School Based Sanitation (SBS) approach in Laos.

In Lao PDR effective wastewater treatment and improved sanitation still constitutes a big challenge. Only 52% of the population and 18% of the schools have access to sanitation. Systems to treat wastewater are only available in few areas of the capital town.

CBS and SBS projects aim to improve sanitation conditions based on a holistic and demand-responsive approach. The projects build upon the participation and empowerment of communities and schools to ensure that the facilities serve the interests and needs of the end users.

For both projects, the continuous dialogue with the community members, students, teachers and monks in the project development as well as cooperation with the different stakeholders such as government departments and cooperation agencies was integral in improving sanitation conditions. During several meetings, a Community Action Plan and School Action Plan were developed, listing guidelines for subsequent DEWATS implementation. According to these Action Plans, the DEWATS plants were constructed and the sanitation facilities improved.

As the DEWATS facilities have low maintenance requirements, the operation of the treatment plant can be taken over by the community and school themselves. For this purpose, the village and the school set up a committee which will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of these facilities after installment. In January 2011, training sessions for these committees will take place to introduce them to the operating procedures. To ensure that the improved treatment facilities will also lead to an improvement in health and hygiene conditions, water environment and health trainings and Health Impact Assessments were carried out.

Both plants are operational now and provide wastewater treatment for 144 community members living in Thonkankham village, 87 students studying at Khoualuang Primary School and 20 monks staying at the neighboring Khoualuang temple. The successful completion of these DEWATS projects paves the way for further DEWATS dissemination in the future.