Alternative Energy
The prices of firewood and coal have risen sharply in recent years, putting financial strain on many rural farmers. Felling trees for firewood has also caused soil erosion, which has made it difficult for families to feed themselves from their own land. Moreover, smoke from firewood causes high levels of respiratory illness. Respiratory infections are the number one cause of death for children in developing countries.
Haller’s alternative energy programme educates people about the damaging effects of firewood and kerosene on the environment, and to health. We work to relieve fuel poverty, by helping communities produce alternatives which are healthier, more economical and more sustainable. We also show communities how to sell surplus energy by setting up nano-enterprises, which gives added incentive to use alternative energy.
Biogas
Haller shows communities how to build simple biogas digesters, which are fed with refuse material from farming. Haller has scientifically tested its biogas digesters to ensure that they are the cheapest, most effective way for poor communities to produce clean energy. We help build biogas digesters suitable for household and community use. One community’s biogas digester powers a kitchen that feeds 90 children per day. Nothing is wasted – the waste slurry produced is rich with nutrients, and is used as fertilizer.
Solar
Haller installs solar panels at rural community centres to produce light. Solar energy can also power small businesses, as customers pay to re-charge their mobile phones or torch batteries. In rural areas, where the nearest source of electricity can be 8km away, solar energy can be valuable indeed! Solar energy can also be used to pump recycled water through Haller’s aquaponics system.
