Quarterly Project Progress Report (Q1/2015) Promoting Renewable Energy in Mae Hong Son Project (MHS-RE) 25 March 2015
Basic Project Information
Project Title: UNDP Award ID 00048912 UNDP Project ID 00059287 Project Duration 5 years Reporting Period January to March 2015 Total Approved Project Budget US$ 2,712,700 Participating UN Agencies UNDP Thailand Implementing Partners/ MHS Office of the Governor, National Collaborating Agencies MHS Provincial Energy Office (PEO) and Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), Ministry of Energy International Collaborating Global Environment Facility Agencies Cost-sharing Third Parties - UNDP Contact Officer Dr. Sutharin Koonphol Project Website -
1. Summary
During the period of January to March 2015, significant progress was made especially on the promotion of improved cook stoves (ICS), activation of the RE activities integration into local/TAO three-year development plan, survey of RE village baseline data, and facilitation of the land-use permit process.
Highlight of the project results of this quarter was the advance of the ICS activity. Under this activity, PMU worked closely with the Regional Technical Service Center of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) and the Provincial Energy Office (PEO) to finalize the selection of ICS experimental method most suitable to MHS conditions. Then this experiment was carried-out among thirty ICS recruited volunteers from four sub- districts of two target districts. The output of the experiment was quite satisfactory as it could convince the target group about ICS energy efficiency, compared to ordinary cooking stove. This experiment could demonstrate that the ICS consumed less fuel, produced more heat and with less harmful smoke. Consequently, all thirty volunteers were willing to participate in the second step of the experiment which would let them use the ICSs for thirty days in their own kitchens and with their own cooking habits or lifestyle. It was expected that these ICS volunteers would become the change agents for this RE technology later on.
1
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
Also in this quarter, PMU started facilitating bottom-up approached RE integration planning. The PMU is currently conducting needs assessments for three TAO partners so as to identify capacity development interventions for concerned local and provincial agencies. In addition, PMU facilitated the land-use permit for the construction of two micro-hydro power plants. Ground works for the implementation of other RE technologies was executed by gathering lessons learned of some previous RE technologies promotion projects in Mae Hong Son which implemented by other organizations. This would help for proper implementation and management of the project, mostly possible and suitable for the current situations.
There were some set-backs in recruitment of a company to support the work on solar home systems/solar lanterns, solar farm, solar rooftop and biogas. A new bidding process has to be followed, causing a delay of several months. Due to this delay, the PMU is currently focusing on ICS, micro-hydro and the integrated RE planning. Consultants are being recruited to fill up the gap temporarily.
In addition, a change in PMU organizational structure was made, from 1st of April onwards, due to the resignation of the project coordinator and the field coordinator. The project coordinator position is re-classify to be project assistant and will be based in Bangkok. The project manager, one senior field coordinator, and a secretary, are based in Mae Hong son.
In conclusion, overall work progress for this quarter was generally satisfactory.
2. Project Objectives
This project aims to overcome barriers that currently prevent widespread and sustainable utilization of Renewable Energy Technologies for the provision of energy services in rural areas of Thailand. The project is based in Mae Hong Son province, which the Ministry of Energy has identified as its target to be the first energy self-sufficient province in Thailand, in conformity with the King’s sufficiency economy concept and the 11th National Economic and Social Development Plan.
The project facilitates an integrated RE planning process at provincial and local level, in order to translate targets set at national level to local level and into real action. The 4 components/ outcomes of the project focus on: a) institutional capacity development for planning and implementing RE programmes; b) realization of RE systems and access to financing; c) technical training and education and d) policies for up-scaling and replication.
2
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
3. Key Results
The project consisted of four components/ outcomes as follows:
Outcome 1 Strengthened institutional, organizational and social capacity results in planning, management and implementation of integrated RE programmes in MHS Outcome 2 Financially sustainable RE systems operational in MHS Outcome 3 Technical support is available locally for the development, management and maintenance of RE applications in MHS Outcome 4 Policies facilitate up-scaling and replication of RE systems in Thailand
Each outcome identifies outputs and activities to be proceeded for the achievement of the Project objectives.
Progress towards Outcomes
Work progress towards each outcome/output was described as follows:
Outcome 1: Strengthened institutional, organizational and social capacity results in planning, management and implementation of integrated RE programmes in MHS
Findings of the village RE baseline surveys from three target villages were discussed with three Tambon Administrative Organizations (TAOs) as a starting point or preparation for the integration of RE planning. Activities included report of RE survey findings, review of TAO’s three-year development plans, clarification of planning and endorsement procedures by the local/TAO council and linkages of the local development plans to the upper levels (bottom- up and top-down planning processes).
Outcome 1 summary of activities were as follows:
Outcome 1: Strengthened institutional, organizational and social capacity results in planning, management and implementation of integrated RE programmes in MHS Output 1.1: Activity 5: Provincial Integrated RE Planning Strengthened 5.1- TA provided to follow up and implement the provincial/ local capacities, renewable energy plan mobilization and Technical supports for community RE baseline survey and co-ordination problems identification were provided to a target TAO of Wieng mechanisms for Nua to be able to collect data at Pai Song Ngae community. integrated RE Consultation meetings with 3 target TAOs (Mae Ki, Wieng Nua planning in MHS and Pha Bong) on the baseline survey findings of 3 target communities, Project’s next steps and integration RE planning
3
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
conducted. Review of TAO three-year development plan of 3 TAOs, discussion on local development planning process and capacity development needed.
5.4-Three sub-district meetings organized Three meetings were organized at TAO Pha Bong, TAO Mae Ki and TAO Wieng Nua.
5.5 Provincial Board (PB) meeting on RE organized The 3rd PB meeting was prepared to be commenced in mid of April 2015.
Outcome 2: Financially sustainable RE systems operational in MHS
The main activities of this Outcome were on (i) ground works for solar farm installation (ii) land-use permit for the installation of two micro-hydro power plants and (iii) promotion of the solar lantern. a) Grid-linked Solar Farm
With consultation to the Provincial Office of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, the Project carried-out a preliminary review of land-use zoning permitted for solar farm installation as well as legal restriction areas in MHS. According to the Interior ministerial regulations of MHS Comprehensive Plan (town plan), the grid-linked solar farm could be installed in any rural or agricultural area, and it is prohibited in the urban zones. b) Micro-hydro Power
Strong effort to get the land-use permit for the installation of the micro-hydro power plants was still carried-on by the target TAOs, PMU and UNDP CO. This included (i) the improvement of request forms by adding the concerned office of the national parks (Office of Mae Surin Waterfall National Park and Office of Huai Nam Dang National Park) as co- submitters and (ii) the submission of the power plant construction blueprints as supporting documents for the request. PMU has worked with TAO Pha Bong and Wieng Nua on the improvements. Both TAOs were trying to submit the construction blueprints under their limitations of engineering capacity.
The installation of a micro-hydro power plant at Ban Pha To, Mae Ki sub-district had to be withdrawn since the water volume is insufficient for power generation during the dry season. The village council made a consensus to use water for agriculture as its top priority.
4
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report c) Off-grid SHS Rehabilitation & Solar Lantern
One demo kit of solar lantern was demonstrated and rotated among TAO technicians and potential users (urban vs. rural, Tai Yai, Karen and Muser ethnics) in 3 off-grid target areas of Muang and Pai districts to get preliminary feedbacks and prepare for the interventions. A study on barriers and sustainable utilization of SHS and solar lanterns will be carried-out by RE Technologies consultant from mid-March to mid-August 2015.
Outcome 2 summary of activities were as follows:
Outcome 2: Financially sustainable RE systems operational in MHS Activity 2: Grid-linked Solar Farm Output 2.2: Grid- linked RE systems 2.1 - Assessment of potential locations for solar farm carried out, established selection criteria established, selection of 1 site completed and plan consistent with prepared integrated Review of town plan legal issues and land-use zoning for the provincial installation of a solar farm in MHS, with collaborative effort of development plans the Provincial Office of Public Works and Town and Country Planning Completion of the recruitment for RE Technologies Expert to assess potential locations of the solar farm
Output 2.3: Off-grid Activity 1: Installation of Micro-hydro Power Plant renewable energy 1.4- Permission to realize micro-hydropower plant obtained (from electrical systems to Forestry Department). Micro-hydropower plants commissioned and local communities operational. established Field survey to measure water volume at Ban Pha To, Mae Ki district, Khun Yuam district was conducted to recheck adequacy of water for the installation of a micro-hydro as suggested by Chief of Mae Sa-nga Micro-Hydro Power Plant. It was found out that the water volume was not sufficient as villagers preferred to use water for agriculture Discussion with the TAO Chairperson on the findings. The installation of a micro-hydro power plant at Ban Pha To, Mae Ki sub-district was dropped Other RE activities would be continued especially the solar home system rehabilitation Requests for land use permit to build and operate micro hydro- power systems in 2 national environmental protected areas were improved as recommended by the Protected Areas
5
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
Regional Office (Chiang Mai) of the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). The improvements were: (i) the TAOs and office of the concerned national parks had to be co- submitters for the request and (ii) the construction blueprints of the micro-hydro power plant should be enclosed.
Output 2.3: Off-grid Activity 3: Off-grid SHS Rehab. & solar lantern renewable energy 3.5 - Barriers, support mechanisms, appropriate finance solutions electrical systems to and capacity development interventions for SHS rehab. and sales of local communities solar lanterns identified established The use of solar lantern was demonstrated and tried-out in 3 off-grid target areas of Muang and Pai districts to get preliminary feedbacks from TAO technicians and potential users (urban vs. rural areas, Tai Yai, Karen and Muser ethnic groups). The hiring process of Renewable Energy Technologies consultant was completed and the consultant has started to conducted study on sustainable utilization of SHS and solar lanterns from 15 March 2015.
Outcome 3: Technical support is available locally for the development, management and maintenance of RE applications in MHS
This quarter marked a good progress for this Outcome. PMU implemented extensively on the ICS activities. The ICS experiment, in laboratory settings using a water boiling test method, was conducted at Pha Bong TAO meeting hall for 30 household stove users from Muang and Khun Yuam districts. The objective is to demonstrate to the common stove users on energy efficiency of the ICS. The users group was heterogeneous. It consisted of Tai Yai and Karen, some of whom lived in town, some in peri-urban and some on highlands with different lifestyles and ways of earning incomes.
The event started with providing a short training on the ICS and then allowing them to participate in every experimental step. The experiment result was quite satisfactory because the stove users were convinced about the energy efficiency of the ICS which produced less harmful smoke, built more heat while consumed 30% less fuel (both charcoal and firewood). At present, all ICS volunteers were running for the second step of the experiment or the “village try-out” stage. Each received one ICS for cooking in his/her own kitchen by his/her cooking habit or lifestyle. PMU will gather feedbacks of the village try-out at the end of
6
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
March to early April 2015. These volunteers were expected to be the Project’s change agents for ICS awareness building and adoption in future.
This activity was strongly supported by the Regional Technical Service Center 7, Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE), MHS Provincial Energy Office, Ministry of Energy, and the Firewood Bank under the Royal Initiatives.
Outcome 3 summary of activities were as follows:
Outcome 3: Technical support is available locally for the development, management and maintenance of RE applications in MHS Output 3.1: Activity 4: ICS Completed trainings 4.2 Available ICS model experimented in Mae Hong Son under in maintenance and controlled settings and experiences documented in detail repair of RE systems (experimental stage) Coordination with Regional Technical Service Center 7, Provincial Energy Office, Firewood Bank for the preparation, technically and logistically, of the ICS training and experimental program. Experimental equipment was procured from Chiang Mai to MHS. The ICS experiment under controlled setting was carried-out by the counterparts and PMU for 30 ICS volunteers. Report of the experiment was submitted to PEO, MHS-PO, DEDE (Chiang Mai) and UNDP. ICS village try-out by 30 volunteers was on-going in 2 districts (Muang and Khun Yuam) for 30 days. Follow-up of the first batch try-out in Muang and Khun Yuam districts (by interview, questionnaire) has been going on. The ICS village try-out by 25 volunteers (second batch) has been prepared to organize in Pai district (Wieng Nua sub-district).
Outcome 4: Policies facilitate up-scaling and replication of RE systems in Thailand
This quarter was still an early stage for Outcome 4 since PMU needed to work with the coming Knowledge Management consultant. Nonetheless, PMU has started gathering lessons learned from similar activities implemented by other projects or institutions as to prepare for the replication of good practices (and avoid the mistakes) to the Project.
Outcome 4 summary of activities were as follows:
7
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
Outcome 4: Policies facilitate up-scaling and replication of RE systems in Thailand Output 4.1: Lessons learned Biodigesters documented and 7.8 Lessons learned about biodigesters documented disseminated to Biodigester activity of other sponsor (EfE/UNJP) was observed policy makers and to get lessons learned. Key success factors were identified and included in national reported to UNDP. policies Output 4.2: Center 4.2: Center of learning in MHS promoting RE as part of the of learning in MHS Sufficiency Economy established promoting RE as One center of learning in MHS promoting RE as part of the part of the Sufficiency Economy was explored in Mae Suad sub-district, Sufficiency Mae Sarieng district and lessons learned on the management of Economy the learning center were collected. established
4. Project Management and Oversight
There was a realization on the length and complexities to get the land use permit granted since the process was related to the environmental legal issues, understandings and collaborative efforts of many public agencies at local, provincial, regional and central levels. Since November 2014, filed investigations and documents checking have been carefully reviewed by MNRE government officials, starting from the ground level to its regional branch in MHS and now to the northern regional center in Chiang Mai. Each level of checking has requested for more documents or revision of documents. Consequently, PMU can foresee that it will take quite some times to get the permission to build and operate the two micro-hydro power plants in the national park restricted areas.
UNDP is in the process to hire a company to support the installation of several renewable energy technologies. The UNDP’s rebidding process for the key implementing partner will cause delay for the implementation of the following activities:
Technology 2 Installation of a solar farm Technology 3 Rehabilitation and promotion of solar home system and solar lantern Technology 6 Demonstration of solar rooftops on government, small enterprise or individual buildings Technology 7 Installation of bio-digesters in schools and households
Implementation status
Compared against the revised 2015 Annual Workplan submitted to UNDP CO on 14 January 2015, the project operation was on track.
8
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
Monitoring and Evaluation
The project monitoring activities were: formally and informally regular updates and reporting to UNDP and the Office of the Governor via Provincial Energy Office via email, telephone calls, social media and documental reports.
The Project Board meeting has been prepared and will take place mid of April. However, the concerned provincial counterparts, especially the Office of the Governor was extremely busy managing drought, wildfire and smoke that always occurred heavily during the dry season. On request of the governor, the PB meeting has therefore been postponed to the next quarter.
Human Resource Management
Human Resource Development A security training at field setting was provided to all PMU staff by the UNDP security team on 16-17 February 2015. The security instruction was mainly on the prevention and preparedness for natural disasters especially on wildfire, flash flood and landslide. Highlight was on preventive measures for road accidents which was the highest risk, according to the security assessment in Mae Hong Son.
Adjustment of PMU Organizational Structure The resignation of the Project Coordinator was effective on 31 March 2015 as well as contract completion of the Senior Field Coordinator. Following the consultation between PMU and UNDP, the project organizational structure is adjusted as follows:
Starting from the 1st of April 2015, PMU will have 3 staff based in MHS office which includes: a Project Manager (service contract), a Senior Project Officer (newly recruited individual contract) and a Secretary (an individual contract). The Project is now recruiting a Project Assistant, based in Bangkok, to operate administrative and financial issues.
Risks/ Constraints/ Mitigation Measures
As mentioned significant risks which have affected project progress in 2015 were:
Long duration of official investigation for land-use permit (new documents needed to be added and revisions to documents needed to be made);
Long duration of procurement procedures to get key implementing partner to support installation of RE technologies for the project;
9
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
The change of PMU staff will mainly have an influence on time used for the transfer of project experiences to the new incoming and remaining staffs. Newly recruited staff needs times to learn, practices and gets familiar with the Project’s strategy and operational contexts.
The long duration for recruitment of new project staff will have an influence on the workload/ extra miles works of PMU and UNDP staff.
With strong back-stoppings from the UNDP’s Inclusive Green Growth and Sustainable Development Unit, several activities were executed to mitigate the risks:
(i) Recruiting a Project Assistant to carry-out administrative project works
(ii) Recruiting an individual consultants (ICs) to carry-out some of the Project’s activities , which are:
- RE Technologies Expert: to conduct initial technical preparation for a solar farm system and biodigesters at SMEs/ farms or households. The consultant has been on board since mid-March.
- Sustainable Utilization of RE Technologies Expert: to identify barriers and key factors for RETs adoption, starting in Q3/2015 and
- Knowledge Management Consultant: to implement the knowledge management part and the Project, starting in Q4/2015.
(iii) Following-up and trying to accommodate quickly the additional requirements from MNRE offices in relation to the request for land-use permit.
(iv) Exploring good practices (and mistakes) of the biodigesters installed in MHS by other projects/institutions to properly prepare for the implementation of this activity.
(v) Continuing with project activities that needed minimum technical supports from technical consultants such as the ICS village try-out, the RE integration planning and introducing of a solar lantern to potential uses.
(vi) Transferring project experiences from the two outgoing staff by documental records (handover notes) and briefings were executed. Realignment of responsibilities among the remaining PMU personnel was agreed and endorsed by UNDP CO.
10
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
5. Financial Management
Budget Summary (US$) As of 23 March 2015 Total approved project budget UNDP USD 2,712,700.00 Other UN agencies 0 Counterpart funding 0 Cost-sharing third 0 parties Total USD 2,712,700.00 Estimated total budget committed UNDP USD 633.283.25 to date Other 0 Total USD 633.283.25 Estimated total budget disbursed UNDP USD 22,702.78 to date Other 0 Total USD 22,702.78
*Exchange rate in March 2015 1 USD = 32.37 THB
6. Key Expected Outcomes/Outputs in the Next Quarter
Key expected Outcomes/Outputs for Q1/2015 are listed as follows:
Outcome 1: Strengthened institutional, organizational and social capacity results in planning, management and implementation of integrated RE programmes in MHS Local & provincial integrated RE planning Consultation meetings with Pha Bong and Mae Ki TAOs on RE integrated planning Needs assessments and identification of capacity development interventions to concerned local and provincial agencies for RE planning integration.
Outcome 2: Financially sustainable RE systems operational in MHS Technology 1: Off-grid Micro-hydro Power Public hearing and preparation for micro-hydro power installation in 2 target communities (construction, O&M, savings group, conservation, etc.). Awareness building, advocacy programs for micro-hydro power to target TAOs, communities and general public. Land-use permit facilitation for approval from the MNRE. Procurement of institution/construction company for ground survey, preparation of plant design, budgeting of two micro-hydro power plants in 2 target communities.
11
Q1/2015 MHS-RE Quarterly Project Progress Report
Technology 7: Installation of Biodigesters Collection of proposals for biodigester installation submitted by schools. Preliminary review of the proposals with the Provincial Livestock Development.
Outcome 3: Technical support is available locally for the development, management and maintenance of RE applications in MHS Technology 4: Improved Cookstove 4.2 Available ICS model experimented in Mae Hong Son under controlled settings and experiences documented in detail (experimental stage). After Action Review (AAR) workshop for the 1st batch of 30 ICS volunteers (Pha Bong, Mae Ki, Mae Ngao sub-districts) to gather the try-out feedbacks and recommendations for ICS model improvement and adoption. The 2nd ICS training and village try-out for 25 volunteers of Wieng Nua sub-district conducted, followed by the second AAR workshop AAR findings reported and consulted with technical experts (Regional Technical Service Center, DEDE and PEO for ICS model improvements ICS MHS model finalized (if any).
4.3 ICS consumer and market assessment in Mae Hong Son identified Enabling environment and support factors for the adoption of the ICS among the MHS poor and ethnic communities identified.
Outcome 4: Policies facilitate up-scaling and replication of RE systems in Thailand Coordination with the consultant for lessons learned development and RE integrated planning Coordination with Plan International for the development of RE related curriculum for pilot schools in Muang and Khun Yuam districts Coordination with a consultant for UNDP video shooting in Khun Yuam district
7. Conclusion
For this Q1/2015 quarter, PMU marked distinctive progress in Outcome 3 on the promotion of ICS with well-planned activities which will be continued in Q2/2015. The completion of ICS experiment and village try-out for the first group of change agents helped to determine socio-economic and behavioral factors of potential users. The completion of the village RE baseline surveys in this quarter (Q2) will become a starting point for a series of activities in Outcome 1, especially the activities related to capacity development for the RE integrated planning. The incoming ICs for Q2/2015 and Q4/2015 will definitely help the Project run at full operation.
12