Roderick has joined LUTW as the Renewable Energy Technician. He has studied electronics engineering at SAIT, then moved on to complete a B.A. in Spanish and an M.Sc. in Sustainable Energy Development at the University of Calgary. His professional interests include energy planning, technology transfer, and renewable energy modelling. In 2006 he completed an Appropriate Technology Internship in Nicaragua, where he worked in rural electrification and community based development projects. Having seen first-hand the enormous benefits that clean energy technologies could generate for under-served communities, he was motivated to further his studies and continue in the field of energy and sustainability. Roderick will be stationed at LUTW's new regional office in Lima, Peru.

This quarter, LUTW is pleased to focus on our relationship with the Center for Energy Commerce at Texas Tech University. Texas Tech recognizes that a university education should be about more than just job training and works to offer students educational and personnel growth experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom model. Their goal is to provide students with the tools they need to be successful and they believe that includes a global view of the importance of energy and understanding the impact that access to reliable, safe and affordable energy has on the health and well being of the world's population. Integrating social responsibility and a global perspective into the student curriculum offers both significant educational advantages, as well as business benefits for future employers. Fully understanding this, Texas Tech added the "World Energy Project" as part of the 2010 summer internship program.

Together with LUTW, students from the Texas Tech Energy Commerce program will take part in the installation of off-grid lighting and energy systems this August in rural Costa Rica. Supported by the University and key donors, students raised funds to cover their trip expenses, the purchase of solar lighting equipment, as well as the costs for installation. A group of eleven students and two facilitators will be guided by LUTW in the implementation of an off-grid energy project to gain a greater understanding of the challenges and importance of development work.

The trip will involve visiting a community that has no access to electrical services to conduct a pre-energy survey. After the initial survey they will spend two days installing solar systems and will then conduct a post-energy survey to assess the impact of the solar installations. The aim of the program is to demonstrate the beneficial impact of energy access and provide students with a hands-on, live environment learning opportunity; lessons which can be directly applied in their profession.

Fundación Natura is a non-profit organization that promotes the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable management of natural resources, and the prevention and control of environmental contamination in Ecuador. Through management and environmental education, Fundación Natura serves both rural and urban communities and works with businesses, municipalities, provincial councils, grassroots organizations and state organizations involved in environmental issues and natural resources.

Fundación Natura has been working to conserve the environment, natural ecosystems and biodiversity in Ecuador for more than 30 years. The organization recognizes that sustaining the environment must go hand in hand with improving social conditions, therefore all projects include a component aimed at offering alternatives that contribute to improved, sustainable livelihoods.

LUTW has worked with Fundación Natura to install renewable energy systems in five remote communities inhabited by the Shuar indigenous people since 2004. Renewable energy projects implemented in these communities are part of an ongoing initiative in the Condor Mountain Range in which Fundacion Natura is supporting the development of capacity building with the Shuar Associations, creating a more adequate governance system over indigenous territory, resource management, cultural strengthening, planning and regulations for the proper use of natural resources and clean technology.

LUTW is currently fund raising for a renewable energy project to be implemented in partnership with Fundación Natura in the Shuar communities of Kutukus and Chimius.

Optics & Photonics
August 1-5, 2010 in San Diego California - SPIE, an International Society advancing light based research, will be presenting the latest research and technologies for enabling better care of our environment, our communities, and our planet. Although LUTW will not be in attendance, SPIE is setting up a booth with our material to help spread the word on our sustainable energy programs around the world. 

The Socio-Economic impact of Solar Energy and Small-scale Solar System Design

Saturday August 28th seminar facilitated by LUTW (location and time TBD).

What will you learn?
The seminar will consist of two sessions. The morning session will explore the
socio-economic impact of renewable energy and lighting. The afternoon session will cover solar energy principles and basic small-scale solar system design.

Participants will learn basic program design and gain a general understanding of how one can approach community based renewable energy projects in a rural community.

Who should attend?
The seminar will be of particular interest to people in international development, development economics, technology transfer, or renewable energy.

Registration fee:
The cost to participate in the full-day workshop is $100. The cost to participate in the morning alone is $30 and $80 for  the afternoon session. Lunch will be provided to full-day workshop participants. All proceeds go to support LUTW's program activities.

For more information email Christoph Schultz or call us at 403-266-5004.