Choice of energy source for Bafila

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Thursday, February 2, 2012

Choice of Energy source
We started this project thinking that all we needed was a river and voila, we have electricity. We explored the possibility of a micro hydropower plant and drafted a linear plan for the project. As usual, things never go according to the plan. It turns out, the river we identified is headless and apparently very lazy. We reached out to experts to assess the possibility of a micro hydropower plant based on information available on the river. We were blessed by their experiences and knowledge on the subject. If you are planning a similar project, we advise you to join their forum (

Step 2: remote site visit

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Sunday, January 15, 2012

In the previous step, we concluded that only one of the 4 sites was promising for a micro hydropower plant. Further analysis of this site revealed that the river is tidal, the land is flat and the expected energy output is limited (probably less than 50KW).

The goal of this step is to confirm our estimates and to do a technical feasibility study before we introduce the project to the village people.

We have been in talk with many experts.

Micro hydropower plant site data

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Monday, January 9, 2012

Hello,

The original plan was for my brother to go to the village and to film the four rivers so that we can assess the potential for micro hydropower plant. As always, events did not unfold as planned, but he managed to get some useful data that we can use for a rough estimate. From our analysis, we believe that at least 50kwh of reliable energy can be provided to the village people. Below are the story and the technical analysis.

The story

When I went to Guinea last December, I gave my brother a brand new working Sony camera. Last week, I asked him to go film the four rivers.

Contract opportunities

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Friday, January 6, 2012

We have the following contract opportunities. Contact us (include resume or website) if you are interested and we will call you for an interview if your background is a good match.

Site visit team:

We are planning a trip to the village with a team of micro hydropower project experts. The duration of the trip is two weeks (departing end of June or early July-2012).

Your compensation includes a round trip ticket from your location to Conakry and then transportation from Conakry to bafila. We provide housing and food. You will gain the unvaluable experience of cultural immersion.

THE BIG ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Hello,

Bringing electricity to the village is a noble cause. However, there is this big elephant in the room that I have tried to ignore for many years. Sometimes, I would rather drown in the ocean than talk about it: the almighty dollar. Over the last decade, I worked tirelessly with the hope that one day I would save enough money to realize this goal. It turns out, my employers paid me just enough to not drop dead. In the process, I lost two people that are dearest to my heart.

My grand mother who raised me in the village, passed away in 2002. I stayed strong and kept going hoping that

Plan for videos of the rivers

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Hello,

I spoke to my brother and he will go film the 4 rivers. He does not have the technical skills to measure the characteristics of the rivers and he does not speak english. So, I am providing a guide on how to take the videos in order to give you a better assessment of the hydro potential in each river.

I am organizing the videos in sections. Each section will start with a title on one piece of paper.

First, he will film our dad's house to show where consultants will be staying during the site visit.

Second, for each river he will film the following aspects:

1.An overview of the

Choice of strategy

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Monday, January 2, 2012

Hello,

There are a couple of ways to bringing energy to the village.

It can be done by bootstraping, that is, using local labor and building the capacity before the power plant. We will need to find experts here for feasibility study, then send them again to train people to build the plant and actually build the plant. Follow up again with another training for plant maintenance.

Another possibility is to enlist an institution that has experience in the field.

The institution will colaborate with the village people to build the plant and then transfer technology over time.

Step 1: Identify possible sites for micro hydropower plant.

Submitted by Michael Cisse
on Saturday, December 31, 2011

Initially, I wanted to bring 1 or 2 experts with me to visit the village and identify the best site possible. I was advised from various discussion groups that this option will be costly. I have asked me brother to contact some of my friends in the city to find someone who can measure the head and discharge of the various rivers. My brother told me that there are 4 rivers that never dry. The village is however flat, no mountain. Below are the coordinates of the village: Lat 9.46162; Lon -13.226061. Elv 19ft. The name of the village is Gbereyire Bafila.

Please take a look and let me know what

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