Energy

The Foundation has been involved in various projects aiming to an efficient use of energy sources. A total of 180 Onil stoves were considered in various communities. These stoves use a minimum amount of wood and avoid problems of severe burning and smoke contamination. Passive solar heating and photovoltaic energy generation were considered in the Jepa House. A laboratory for renewable energy was inaugurated in Alotenango (scientific literature in Document 2, reference 2008).
A detailed project involved the production of bio-digestors allowing methane production from the organic waste daily produced by individual families.
A total of 6 model digestors were installed in S. Antonio, Dueña and Alotenango and the advantage and shortcoming of biogas production were carefully monitored.
Results have been reported in the scientific literature. We concluded that only small households strongly motivated by a non-negligible saving on the cost of energy could be dedicated user of the biodigesters. Consequently, any attempt to further develop this technology in developing countries should be restricted to areas of severe poverty.

A cooperation between Jepa and non-profit organizations in Medellin, Colombia (the Berta Martinez Foundation and the Interactuar Corporation) was planned for the implementation of a local venture for the production of biogas plants for domestic use benefitting from the invaluable experience of biogas experts at the Chemistry Institute of the University of Antioquia in Medellin.