Webinar Series: Sustainable Energy in Humanitarian Settings

Webinar Series: Sustainable Energy in Humanitarian Settings - Knowledge and Solutions from and for the Field -

Today, over 130 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to conflict, natural disasters, and other complex global challenges. For many of these people, access to energy sources is critical for survival, and how they access it impacts their health, livelihoods, safety, and well-being.

Energy access for displaced people is not prioritized in the global humanitarian system. Current energy practices in situations of displacement are often inefficient, polluting, unsafe for users, and harmful to the surrounding environment. Moreover, institutional humanitarian operations such as water pumping, community lighting, and health clinics rely heavily on unsustainable fossil fuels, costing hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Given the complex nature of humanitarian response and the challenges of integrating sustainable energy solutions into the humanitarian program cycle, there is not just one solution but a need for systemic actions to mobilise resources, build capacity and use the opportunity for sustainable energy solutions to enhance impact in sectors such as health, protection, food security, and WASH. read more

Against this background, key actors involved in displacement settings developed in 2018 the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Situations of Displacement (GPA). It’s mission is to equip stakeholders with the capacity to mainstream sustainable energy solutions into programming, with the goal of delivering improved protection, dignity, and energy-related social, environmental, and economic benefits to displaced people.

As part of the outreach and capacity building activities of this movement, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) together with the Steering Group of the GPA and other partners are conducting a series of webinars on humanitarian energy issues to raise awareness and spread knowledge about different technologies, best practices and impacts.

List of past Webinars

• Webinar on Landscaping : Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing Opportunities

Oct 2020

Productive Uses of Energy in Humanitarian Contexts

Webinar Recording

Presentations

• Sustainable energy and Productive Use of Energy - A Practitioners Perspective
• RE4R - Productive Uses of Energy for Livelihoods 2020.pdf
• Developing Sustainable Energy Value Chains in Displacement Contexts 2020.pdf

Q&A

Questions asked during the webinar

Speakers

		Shripathi Hadigal, SELCO Foundation, Program Manager Shripathi Hadigal currently works as a Program Manager for the Global SDG7 Hubs Program at SELCO Foundation. He is part of the team that develops the energy access implementation programs by replicating the learnings and processes across different geographies with local partners. Prior to this, he was involved with the work pertaining to the applications of space technology in community development. He had co-founded a venture that worked towards developing supporting ecosystems for sustainable farming practices. Shripathi has a Masters in Space Technology from the International Space University, France, and an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from National Institute of Technology Karnataka ( NITK), Surathkal, India.
		Laura Clarke, Practical Action, Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) Project Manager Laura Clarke is the project manager for the Renewable Energy for Refugees (RE4R) project, one of Practical Action’s largest multi-country projects. She has over 17 years’ experience in technical leadership, project management and delivery roles, both in the UK and on global assignments. She has experience of managing and coordinating large, multi-discipline teams in demanding environments and before joining Practical Action, worked for 5 years as a Senior Project Engineer delivering large energy and infrastructure projects in the oil and gas sector. Previously she served 11 years in the British Army with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) completing operational deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. She has an MEng in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University and is a chartered engineer.
		Robert Mutarindwa, Energy4Impact, Business Development Coordinator Robert Mutalindwa is the Business Development Coordinator for Productive Use of Energy for RE4R project. He has over 5 years of experience in off grid energy business and project development in solar and hydro, access to clean energy, promotion of productive uses of energy, business mentoring and capacity building. He has a BSc in Agribusiness and Rural Development from University of Rwanda and PMP certification.
		Susanne Hounsell, SNV Kenya Susanne Hounsell is Sector Lead Energy with SNV Kenya. She has almost 15 years of experience in research & analysis and project management in the international energy space. Having previously worked in analytics and consulting, Susanne joined SNV in 2019. In addition to Kenya, she has worked extensively in Rwanda and Somalia over the past four years. Susanne holds a BA European Studes from the University of Maastricht and an MSc in Environmental Economics from the University of Edinburgh.
		Karlijn Groen, SNV Kenya  Karlijn Groen is Project Advisor for SNV Kenya and is currently working on the endev Market Based Energy Access project, which is implemented in Kakuma refugee camp. Before joining SNV she worked as a Sustainable Finance Analyst for FMO – Dutch development bank. She holds an Advanced Masters degree in International Development from Radboud University, a MSc in Global Business & Sustainability from the Rotterdam School of Management, and a BA in International Relations from the University of Groningen.

Resources

• Productive Use portal on energypedia
• Promoting Market Based Energy Access for Cooking and Lighting in Kakuma Refugee Camp
• SELCO Foundation: Compilation of Productive Use solutions in low resource settings
• SELCO Foundation: Critical work on Livelihoods during COVID-19:
  • http://www.covid-19.selcofoundation.org/category/resilient-livelihoods/
  • http://www.covid-19.selcofoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Livelihoods-Covid-19-compressed.pdf
• Publication - Access to Energy for (Micro) Businesses in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Integrated Settlement

Sep 2020

Powering Possibilities - Lessons Learned from Mini-grid Application in Conflict and Fragile Contexts

Webinar Recording

Presentations

• State of the Global Mini-grids Market Report 2020
• Lessons from Mini-grid Application in Conflict and Fragile Contexts
• Nuru-Mini-grid Market in DRC Congo
• Community Microgrid in the Gaza Strip: Feasibility Study

Speakers

		Kyle Hamilton, Nuru Kyle Hamilton is the Senior Manager of Strategy and Partnerships at Nuru, where he has been working for the past 3 years. Nuru finances, deploys and operates off-grid, solar-based mini-grids in DR Congo. To-date, Nuru operates two sites: a 55kW mini-grid in Beni and a 1.3MW mini-grid in Goma--both based in North Kivu Province. Nuru's mission is to provide world-class connectivity to 5 million people by September 2024. Prior to his work with Nuru, Kyle worked on land conflict and governance reform, and agribusiness projects at the Integrated Research Institute at the Christian Bilingual University of Congo in Beni, DRC.
		Emma Houiellebecq, ICRC Emma works with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as the Resilience Program Advisor in Gaza, where she is responsible for advising and leading the implementation of infrastructure projects throughout the Gaza Strip. Many of these projects are focused specifically on improving the resilience of Gaza's essential services and communities to the shocks and stresses faced by escalations in the conflict and political situation as well as the impacts of climate change. Emma previously worked with the ICRC in South Sudan and with other organizations in Uganda, Rwanda, Swaziland, and Canada. Emma holds a Master’s degree in Engineering for Sustainable Development from the University of Cambridge where she was a 2016 Gates Scholar, and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Previously, she worked in the private sector as a structural engineer, designing sustainable timber buildings in Canada and the United States.
		Arvind Kumar, UNDP Yemen Arvind has worked for more than 16 years in the area of development, humanitarian, disaster risk reduction and resilience and led various assignments in conflict, fragile and natural disasters environment in range of capacities. He has worked in Asia, Middle East, and Africa regions including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Lao PDR, Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Turkey, Yemen, Uganda, Sierra Leone. Most of his work have been focused in humanitarian, disaster risk reduction resilience and development. Arvind has managed large scale emergency and humanitarian response in Yemen. With UNDP, Arvind manages stabilization, resilience and economic recovery projects and provides technical and operational support to project counter parts in Yemen. Arvind Kumar holds master degrees from Barkatullah University, Madhya Pradesh (Social Work-2004 batch) and Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand (Regional and Rural Development Planning-2007 batch) respectively. Arvind has also several publications to his credit and interests in writing blogs based on his grassroot experiences. His social media handle is; @arvindanis.
		Ingrid Rohrer, SEforALL Ingrid Rohrer is a Clean Cooking and Energy Associate at Sustainable Energy for All. Ingrid has more than 4 years of experience working in rural electrification with a strong focus on project development of mini-grids in African countries. Prior to joining SEforALL, she was based in Freetown, Sierra Leone working for INENSUS as a consultant for the Rural Renewable Energy Project (RREP). Before that, she was working for Autarsys - a Berlin-based manufacturer of energy storage systems, where she was coordinating and developing mini-grid projects in Madagascar and Tanzania.

Resources

• Lessons Learned and Good Practices under ERRY I project: . https://www.ye.undp.org/content/yemen/en/home/library/crisis_prevention_and_recovery/good-practices-and-lessons-learned--solar-interventions-under-er.html

• Solar Programming Operational Guideline: https://www.ye.undp.org/content/yemen/en/home/library/solar-energy-programming-operational-guideline.html

• Solar Programming in Yemen: https://www.ye.undp.org/content/yemen/en/home/library/crisis_prevention_and_recovery/improving-access-to-energy-for-affected-communities-through-sola.html
• State of the Global Mini-grids Market Report 2020: Trends of renewable energy hybrid mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and island nations

June 2020

Powering WASH - Renewable Energy for Water Supply in Humanitarian Settings

Webinar Recording

This webinar addresses the need and relevance of reliable renewable energy for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in humanitarian settings. Oxfam will provide an overview on solar-powered water pumping followed by two case studies from ICRC and UNICEF on solar pumping projects for powering WASH in South Sudan and Yemen. ReNewGies will then present a Rapid Feasibility Assessment Tool developed on behalf of the UNHCR. This webinar also briefly discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the provision and sustainability of WASH services.

Presentations

• Powering Wash Renewable Energy for Water Supply in Humanitarian Settings

Q&A

• Powering WASH - Q&A

Speakers

		Marco Albertini, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) With a background in Environmental Engineering and Business Administration, Marco has 15 years of international experience in team coordination and project management in the fields of water and power supply and rehabilitation of infrastructures for essential services. He joined the ICRC in 2005 and undertook field missions coordinating humanitarian operations in Ethiopia, Pakistan, Palestine, Mauritania, Philippines, Lebanon, South Sudan. He is currently the Knowledge Manger for the ICRC Water and Habitat Unit at Geneva HQ.
		Melisa Bonzo, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Melisa has worked for the International Committee of the Red Cross for 10 years, working in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, South Sudan and now Syria. She has worked on water supply , sanitation and shelter projects in Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps, Areas of return, Places of Detention (PoD)s and Health Facilities. Melisa was part of the ICRC team that was involved in the of large solar water yards in Juba city to increase access to water supply and WASH services. She is a holder of a Diploma in Civil Engineering Water Supply, Post Graduate Diploma in Water and Sanitation and a final year Bachelor of Administration – Public student.
		Silvia Gaya, UNICEF Silvia Gaya is an Engineer with an advanced degree in Politics and International Relations. Silvia is currently the Senior Advisor on Water and Environment for UNICEF Headquarters and has worked for UNICEF for more than 19 years. Silvia has been in this role since mid-2018 and leads UNICEF’s global efforts on Water (access, safety, sustainability) and  Climate Resilience in WASH programmes, (climate resilience, use of solar energy in WASH, water scarcity), in addition to leading UNICEF’s global work on WASH in Healthcare Facilities and WASH in Schools. Silvia has worked in development and emergency contexts, having worked in seven different countries including high profile emergencies such as Eastern Chad (Darfur conflict) and Haiti (immediately after the earthquake). Prior to that, Silvia worked for 10 years in the private sector, working in different countries, primarily in Europe, and has worked for several years with civil society in Catalunya as a volunteer in youth programmes.
		Aymen Jabberi, RENEWGIES Project and Study Engineer Expertise in energy production and efficiency As a young engineer, always keen on making use of my skills and my training in a useful way to people in need. Committed to providing opportunities for access to basic needs like water and energy in order to reduce social inequalities.
		Asenath Kiprono, Oxfam Asenath is a Water and Solar specialist working with Oxfam, managing the Global Solar and Water initiative, a project that supports agencies towards adoption of quality solar powered water supply solutions through field assessments, technical workshops as well as development of knowledge material and tools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi and previously worked in the private sector developing and implementing suitable water supply and energy solutions for a wide range of stakeholders.
		Jean-Baptiste Sivery, RENEWGIES President and Co-founder of ReNewGies Manager, Senior Engineer Adept of the humanist philosophy, keen on dedicating a great part of my spare time to philanthropy basing my actions on skill-based sponsorship which I learn in my professional activities
		Fiona Ward, UNICEF WASH Specialist (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) working in UNICEF’s Programme Division, in New York HQ. Fiona works in the Water Team and has a focus on Water Scarcity and Climate Change, and how these will impact UNICEF’s programmes, as well as supporting WASH programmes on how to scale-up solar programming to make programmes more resilient. Fiona has a background in Hydrogeology and has worked in Nigeria, Ghana, Sudan, Kenya, Somalia (Kenya support centre), Haiti, Bangladesh and most recently in Jordan.

Resources

• COVID-19 and WASH - Mitigating the socio-economic impacts on the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sector
• Solar Pumping Toolkit - The Global Solar & Water Initiative

Global Solar and Water Initiative (GLOSWI) Solar Pumping Resources

1. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). Global Solar and Water Initiative. “Summary of findings” video file.
2. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). “Solar Water Pumping Miniguide.
3. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). Country Briefing Case study of Bidibidi Refugee Settlement, Uganda.
4. EED Advisory Ltd. (2018). “Evaluation of the sustainability of solar powered water supply systems in Kenya.” EED Advisory Ltd. Nairobi, KE.
5. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018).Emergency Solar Pumping Kits. Global Solar and Water Initiative.
6. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). Cost analysis Generator vs Hybrid, Cost analysis Generator vs Solar, Technical Briefing - Cost Analysis.
7. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). “Criteria for Selection of Quality Solar Pumping Products & Services” and “Solar pumping bidding template”.
8. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2018). “Physical Installation checklist” and “Operation & Maintenance kit”.

GLOSWI visit reports

1. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2016). “Visit Report to Assess Feasibility for Solarisation of Existing Water Points in Asosa and Shire Refugee Camps in Ethiopia, 14 th to 21 st December 2016.”
2. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2017). “Visit Report – Refugee and IDP Camps in Maban, Yida and Bentiu – South Sudan, 3 rd to 20 th July 2017.”
3. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2017). “Visit Report – Solar and Water Initiative IDP settlements in Darfur, Sudan – 20 th February to 18 th March 2017.”
4. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2017). “Visit Report – Solar and Water Initiative. Refugee settlements in Northern Uganda. 10th January to 6th February 2017.”
5. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2017). “Visit Report to Borno State Nigeria, 12th – 19th June 2017.”
6. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2019). “Visit Report to Somalia Region Ethiopia, 17th Feb to 2nd Mar 2019.
7. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2019). “Visit Report to Borno State Nigeria, 6th to 19th April 2019.” 
8. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2019). “Visit Report to Northern Kenya, 23rd to 26th April 2019."
9. Global Solar and Water Initiative (2019). “Visit Report to Kurdistan Region of Iraq, 27th July to 10th August 2019.”

Other resources

1. World Bank (2016). “Solar Pumping: A Cheaper and Cleaner Way to Access Groundwater.” World Bank, Washington, DC. Video file.
2. World Bank (2018). “Solar Pumping: The Basics.” World Bank, Washington, DC.
3. Practica Foundation (2018). “Solar Pumping for Village Water Supply Systems.” Practica Foundation.
4. Bamford, E. and Zadi, D. (2016). “Scaling up solar powered water supply systems: a review of experiences.” UNICCEF, New York, NY.
5. Allouhi, A. et al. (2019). PV water pumping systems for domestic uses in remote areas: Sizing process, simulation and economic evaluation.
6. Global Sustainable Energy Solutions (2019). “Solar Water Pumping Systems: System Design, Selection and Installation Guidelines.” Pacific Power Association and Sustainable Energy Industry Association of the Pacific Islands.
   

May 2020

Powering Humanitarian Health Operations: Sustainable Energy Solutions

Webinar Recording

This webinar will shed light on why access to reliable energy is pertinent for powering health facilities in humanitarian settings, especially in the current COVID context. Presentations from Sustainable Energy for ALL and Médecins Sans Frontières will discuss the importance and options for achieving reliable energy access along with an example of renewable energy system implementation in health clinics. A renewable energy system specialist will then provide practical guidance for enabling reliable energy supply to build the resilience of health systems.

Presentations

• Powering Healthcare Sustainable Energy for Humanitarian Health Response
  
• Renewable Energy for Health System Resilience Strategies for Planning and Implementation

Q&A

• Questions asked during the webinar

Speakers

		Nan Buzard, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) As ICRC’s Head of Innovation, Nan Buzard works with 18,000 staff across 80 countries on some of the most interesting initiatives in humanitarian action. She served in Bosnia with the International Rescue Committee in 1996, led the Sphere Project, and worked for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the American Red Cross. She was also the Executive Director of International Council of Voluntary Agencies. Nan received the Global Leadership in Emergency Public Health award from the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine in 2009. She was one of the Obama administration’s Champions of Change and served five years as the Steering Committee Chair of the Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance (ALNAP). In 2019 Nan joined the Grand Challenges Canada Scientific Advisory Board. Her Master’s in Public Administration is from Harvard University. She is a big fan of cold-water swimming
		Inaki Goicolea, MSF Spain Iñaki Goicolea is an Electrical Engineer specialized in the humanitarian aid world. Iñaki has worked with MSF for several years in the field all around the globe (CAR, Congo, Iraq, South Sudan, Paraguay, India, Niger, Sierra Leone …) as technical advisor and then as Logistics Coordinator. In the last 2 years he has been working at MSF’s headquarter office in Barcelona overseeing several energy projects; such as off-grid photovoltaic systems in geographically remote areas.
		Talal Kanaan, Independent Renewables Specialist Talal is an independent renewable energy specialist. He advises various UN agencies and development organizations on the transition to renewable energy, with a particular focus on humanitarian operations and health systems. Talal has a Master in Engineering from the University of Toronto focusing on energy systems, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Nottingham.
		Luc Severi, Sustainable Energy for All Luc Severi is a Senior Energy Access Specialist at Sustainable Energy for All, focusing primarily on the energy access gap in the health sector and the humanitarian sector. Luc holds a Master’s in Commercial Engineering from KULeuven and an MSc Development Management from the London School of Economics. Prior to starting his current position, Luc worked in Mozambique, Senegal, and Liberia, for several international NGOs and social enterprises, including SolarNow and Save the Children International, as well as for the UN Foundation. Throughout his career, Luc has been an active participant in the green & circular economy, working primarily with renewable energy solutions for off-grid and rural households, schools, and health centers.

Resources

• SELCO Foundation: Sustainable Energy Access for COVID-19 Testing
• Energy for Rural Health Centers
• Powering Health (USAID): http://www.poweringhealth.org/index.php
• Powering Healthcare (SEforALL): https://poweringhc.org/resources/
• COVID-19 Response: Powering Health Facilities (SEforALL): very helpful compilation of technical resources and news
  
• HOMER Powering Health Tool: https://poweringhealth.homerenergy.com/
  

Feb 2020

Energy Efficiency and Designing for Sustainability in Humanitarian Response

Webinar Recording

This webinar will discuss the different approaches for making humanitarian operations energy-efficient and also how they contribute to the overall sustainability of humanitarian operations. ICRC will present its sustainability and energy efficiency principles. NRC Jordan and MSF will then highlight the green building program in Jordan and solar-powered AC systems for humanitarian operations respectively.

Presentations

• Energy Efficiency and Designing for Sustainability in Humanitarian Response

Speakers

		Lama Gharaibeh, Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Jordan Lama Gharaibeh works on supporting the Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan under the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs, developing solutions to refugees and host communities by linking the energy aspects on the multi programs activities in Shelter, Education, Youth and livelihood, and advocating for the humanitarian sector to take a role in adapting energy response in the programs and operations. Currently Lama is the Renewable Energy Technical Officer in NRC Jordan Office and Chair of Greening the Orange Task Force.
		Marpe Tanaka, MSF Marpe works as Innovation Lead at the MSF Sweden Innovation Unit (SIU). He has academic degrees in industrial design as well as development studies from Lund University, Sweden. After running his own companies and working as a field logistician for MSF he was involved in the starting up and development of the SIU since its inception in 2012. His work within the unit includes everything from outlining strategies, setting up partnerships, method development to starting up and coordinating cases dealing with everything from sustainable energy solutions to health care activities. He is passionate about humanitarian problem solving and innovations that are based on human-centred approaches.
		Pavlos Tamvakis, ICRC Pavlos is the Head of Construction of the ICRC Water and Habitat Unit at Geneva HQ, leading large-scale health and other related infrastructure projects in countries affected by armed conflict and natural disasters. He studied Architecture Engineering at Cardiff University of Wales and Civil Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He holds a MSc in Environmental Sustainability & Environment, MSC in Construction Project Management and a Specialization in Assessment and Management of Geological and Climate – related risks.

Further Resources

• Solar Air Conditioning: https://innovation.lakareutangranser.se/cases2/2018/5/21/solar-air-conditioner
• Sustainable off-grid oxygen concentration with direct solar power (SOX): https://innovation.lakareutangranser.se/cases2/2018/3/2/sustainable-off-grid-oxygen-concentration-with-direct-solar-power-sox
• Energy Sensitization: https://innovation.lakareutangranser.se/cases2/energysensitization

Jan 2020

Powering Humanitarian Facilities: Dialogue on Implementation Models

Webinar Recording

How can humanitarian agencies move from procure and provide to buying energy as a service? This webinar will shed light on the different models for powering humanitarian facilities with renewable energy. Two case studies will highlight how renewable energy is used to power a humanitarian hub managed by IOM in South Sudan, and focus on the challenges and lessons learnt from ICRC’s net metering program in Pakistan. UNDP will then share their approach to building local capacity when implementing solar solutions for humanitarian facilities.

Presentation

• Powering Humanitarian Facilities Dialogue on Implementation Models

Q&A

Due to technical issues, one of our speakers, Mohammad Omar Patan could not take part in the Q&A session. Here are the answeres to all the questions addressed to him.

Speakers

		Naseer Ahmed, ICRC Pakistan Naseer Ahmed, certified project and facilities management professional having masters in international Relations along with 14 years of experience in administrative, security and facilities management with the additional role of trainer for passive security measures like fire-fighting, office safety, hygiene standards within the developmental sector. Five years’ experience of sustainable development program for energy savings, alternative energy, Garbage recycling and water savings. Moreover, also worked in Malaysia and Mozambique Africa for Premises Administration support mission. Overall work experience entails, proactive planning, designing projects, project management, designing and constructing new office premises. Furthermore, having specialities also in events management, active and passive security, staff development and other administrative procedures required to run the office environment.
		Gerald Demeules, UNDP Gerald has 30 years of experience in ICT and green energy with technical and humanitarian organizations. Since 2010, he is the UNDP Chief of the Country Offices ICT Advisory Services based in Copenhagen. His team leads the implementation of Smart UN Facilities consisting of 4 pillars: Energy and eMobility; ICT Infrastructure and Business solutions; Security; and Internet of Things. Gerald  joined the UN in 1998 as the Project Manager of the Global Communications Infrastructure (GCI) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization - CTBTO. In 2007, he was appointed to the Chief of ICT Services for the UN Mission in Liberia. He led the “Delivery as One” initiative in collaboration with the UN country teams, establishing and developing unified common ICT services. Moreover, Gerald was a co-chair of the UN-Development Group (UNDG) ICT Reference Group, the UN inter-agency committee coordinating ICT collaboration and harmonization between all UN Agencies, funds and programmes. Gerald started his career as a research associate (1988-89) at the Centre de recherche industriel du Québec (CRIQ) . He served as an Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces (1989-95), as the Chief of ICT Services and Operations Officer across Canada, Israel/Syria (1992) and  Ex-Yugoslavia (1995) and the Head of National Command and Control Information Strategic Systems (NCCIS) from (1995-98). Gerald holds a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada (1982-87) and a Master in Applied Science of Automation and Networks from the École Polytechnique de Montreal (1987-89).
		Paul Quigley Paul Quigley is a specialist consultant on energy in Humanitarian settings and has extensive experience working with UN agencies in humanitarian response, both on the ground and at HQ level. He works to develop sustainable energy solutions for effective humanitarian response through increased use of renewable energy technologies, mainstreaming energy as a cross-cutting issue and strengthening collaboration with private sector and energy partners. He worked for 15 years in energy and engineering in the private sector (over 250projects) before completing a masters in Environmental Resource Management and transitioning to energy in the humanitarian and development sectors. Paul works at inter-agency level, with private sector, humanitarian and development actors and across sectors to promote cooperation and communication towards creating innovative, cost effective ways to improve access to sustainable energy for all. He has worked on the design, implementation and operation of multiple renewable energy projects in humanitarian settings across Africa and Asia, including large scale solar installations in the Middle East.
		Mads Uhlin Hansen, Kube Energy Mads Uhlin Hansen is the CEO of Kube Energy, a Norwegian renewable energy company dedicated to transitioning international organisations from diesel generators to solar power. Prior to establishing Kube, Mads worked on humanitarian response, first as a donor with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and later from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. He has spent much of his work in field locations and has been based in Burundi, Sudan and Sierra Leone. Today Mads is mostly focused on developing solar systems to power humanitarian operations in South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia. Mads has a Bachelor in Economics from the Norwegian University of Technology and Science and a Master in Political Economics from the University of Stellenbosch.
		Mohammad Omar Patan, IOM South Sudan In over ten years of work experience, Omar has developed strong project management skills ultimately leading to holding overtime accountability for the design, implementation and execution of complex electrical power grid projects in both infrastructure and emergency contexts in Afghanistan and South Sudan. His most recent engagement has been to, considering the concept of green environment and consistency of power generation & reducing electrical power generation cost, transform existing diesel power plants into hybrid, predominantly, photovoltaic systems in Humanitarian Hubs and IOM offices in South Sudan. He has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and further, hold a MSc in Project Management. He possess extensive knowledge of power generation from both renewable and diesel sources and power distribution systems and their utilised components Additionally, he is able to demonstrate a skillset that includes evolved ability to analyse and evaluate the demands of customers and, reciprocally, to tailor the design of large-scale infrastructure projects such as hybrid (solar and diesel) power plants and systems.

Resources

• Final Report - Workshop on Electricity for Humanitarian Agencies.pdf
• The Humanitarian Hub in Malakal, South Sudan Goes Green

Dec 2019

Sustainable Energy for Household Cooking Needs in Humanitarian Settings

Webinar recording

This webinar on sustainable cooking fuels and technologies will begin with a high-level overview of the basics of clean cooking in humanitarian settings. In addition, two case studies will provide a deep dive into work on the ground: The UNHCR will present its experiences from Bangladesh, focusing on the planning and implementation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) interventions, as well as demonstrating the benefits of LPG for people's lives. The International Lifeline Fund will give an overview of their different approaches to providing cooking energy to individuals and communities in Uganda. They will share their experiences and lessons learned about what works or what doesn't, and why.

Presentation

• Webinar Sustainable Energy for Household Cooking Needs

Speakers

		Vahid Jahangiri, International Lifeline Fund Since joining Lifeline in 2006, Vahid has successfully launched multiple operations to include Lifeline programs in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, Darfur regions of Sudan, Congo, South Sudan and Haiti. Vahid is a key contributor to the SAFE initiative and served on the Strategic Advisory Committee for UNHCR’s Global SAFE Strategy. Vahid has extensive knowledge in program implementation, fuel and cookstove technologies, design & manufacturing, technical testing and M&E in both refugee and post conflict settings. Additionally, Vahid has performed consultancy work for several UN agencies such as WFP and UNDP, working to evaluate fuel technology programs, designing implementation strategies and formulating country energy strategies throughout Eastern Africa and in Haiti. Vahid received his B.A. in International Management from the University of Baltimore and holds a Masters Degree in International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS).
		Mowdudur Rahman, UNHCR Bangladesh Energy and Environment unit is one of latest addition in UNCHR Cox’s Bazar operation which is tasked to address the challenges of environmental degradation and bring comfort to life with appropriate energy solution where about 1 million refugees are living in 34 camps and Mowdudur Rahman has been affiliated with this unit since its inception. Before joining UNHCR Mowdudur was associated with energy and environment sector in different capacities for more than six years and now has been serving UNHCR for last one and half year. Having in depth knowledge over the industry and local context he is playing a key role in the unit in planning and implementing various projects including LPG distribution, solar mini grid, pressure cooker intervention and others. Mowdudur achieved his Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Professionals in 2011. He completed his Master’s in Energy Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay under DAAD program. He have achieved training on different technology and intervention from Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India so far.
		Christa Roth, FOODandFUEL Consultant As FOODandFUEL consultant Christa Roth advocates for the sustainable utilisation of solid biomass as food and/or fuel in appropriate end-user devices for different thermal energy needs. Christa points out that ‚clean burning‘ is not stove-property but a result of a cooking energy system where the user, the fuel quality and the ventilation setting matter sometimes more than the stove. She shares her extensive field experience in Food and Biomass Fuel Security e.g. in ‘Stove Camps’ around the world to enhance sustainable access to renewable household energy solutions for the target groups in need. She is the main author of the GIZ-HERA manual microgasification.
		Dr Anh Tran, Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Anh is the Humanitarian International Liaison Manager for the MECS programme. A daughter of Vietnamese refugees, she is passionate about empowering refugees and local host communities to access modern energy cooking services and to enable them to thrive and not just survive. Anh has a BEng (Hons) and PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia. One stream of the MECS programme is the Humanitarian Cooking stream which aims to develop modern cooking solutions for households and institutional cooking in the context of displacement in Africa and Asia through evidence-based research, capacity building and innovate technologies and business delivery models. MECS is a 5-year ~£40M UK Department for International Development (DfID) Aid funded research and innovation programme designed to facilitate a transition away from biomass to modern cooking solutions, such as electricity and LPG. The programme is led by Loughborough University, UK, drawing in global partnerships, including the World Bank’s ESMAP (Energy Sector Management Assistance Program) and Clean Cooking Alliance (CCA, formerly GACC). The MECS Challenge Fund is a competition that funds modern energy solutions. Find out more about the fund and the programme at https://www.mecs.org.uk/

Resources

• Improved cooking portal on energypedia
• GIZ HERA - Cooking Energy Compendium
• The State of Sustainable Household Energy Access in Refugee Settings in Uganda - Survey Findings in Rhino Camp Settlement and Imvepi Settlement, Arua District, West Nile Region (EnDev 2019)
• ILF EcoSmart Pilot Video
• SAFE Broschure
• Clean Cooking Catalogue: A global database of cookstoves, fuels, fuel products, and performance data. It includes information on features and specifications, as well as emissions, efficiency and safety based on laboratory and field-testing. The Catalogue can give practitioners an idea of what of what cooking technologies are available globally for different fuel types, as well as the performance metrics (emissions, efficiency, and safety) of numerous stove and fuel combinations. Questions can be sent to info@cleancookingalliance.org.
• Fuel Analysis, Comparison & Integration Tool (FACIT): FACIT is an Interactive tool designed to inform decisions regarding fuel choices for programs and investors, including an understanding of tradeoffs between fuel options and environmental impacts across the value chain. NOTE: This tool draws on country-specific information that does not include humanitarian data.
• ENERGYCoP: http://energycop.safefuelandenergy.org/web/energycop

Nov 2019

Sustainable Energy for Powering Household and Community Lighting Needs in Humanitarian Settings

Webinar recording

Which quality solar products for household use are on the market? How can humanitarian actors assess which lighting solutions are needed for households and communities in their intervention? Presentations by Lighting Global and Oxfam will shed a light on these questions. In two case studies, Practical Action and Mercy Corps will share their experience from a community needs assessment in Rwanda, and from delivering quality solar products via distribution and market based approaches in Afghanistan.

Presentation

• Sustainable Energy for Powering Houshold and Community Lighting Needs in Humanitarian Settings

Speakers

		Nicole S. Bouris, Lighting Global Nicole S. Bouris is part of Lighting Global (IFC) business development team. As part of her job she also leads the program’s workstream in displacement settings. She has developed the program’s strategy on how to engage in such situations, worked on an assessment of the energy situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, contributed to IFC’s strategy on forced displacement, and with Chris she assists humanitarian agencies on their energy programs. Before joining IFC, Nicole worked for Trine in Kenya, UNICEF in Lebanon and co-founded a startup in Milan.
		Christopher Carlsen, Lighting Global Christopher Carlsen leads policy support activities for the Lighting Global Quality Assurance Program. In his current role, Christopher engages with national governments, regional bodies, development partners and the private sector to bolster an internationally harmonized quality assurance framework for off-grid energy systems. Since joining the Quality Assurance team in 2009, Christopher has implemented a breadth of activities, including product testing, field and lab research, policy development, and direct support for a diverse set of stakeholders, including the humanitarian aid sector.
		Rachel Hastie, Oxfam Rachel has worked for Oxfam GB for more than 16 years in field and headquarter posts implementing and supporting humanitarian programmes. Since 2016 she has been the Protection Team Leader for the Global Humanitarian Team.
		Cecilia Ragazzi, Mercy Corps Cecilia has a 10-year experience in the humanitarian and development sector covering advisory, management and consulting positions in diverse cultural and geographical contexts, including Bangladesh, Haiti, Afghanistan, Libya, Jordan, Philippines, Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Nepal, Indonesia, Senegal, and Mali. She started nurturing her interest in women economic empowerment through renewable energy managing a multi-country and multi-partner EC program in the Sahel region (Mali, Senegal and Niger). Cecilia is part of Mercy Corps’ Technical Support Unit Environment Team as Senior Advisor for Humanitarian Partnerships on Energy Access. She is based in Mercy Corps’ Edinburgh office and she supports country teams in humanitarian settings across the world.
		Philip Sandwell, Practical Action Dr Philip Sandwell is a Research Associate at Practical Action and Imperial College London where he researches the implementation of energy projects in developing countries and humanitarian settings. For the past two years he has worked on the Renewable Energy for Refugees Project, a partnership between Practical Action and UNHCR, which provides sustainable energy solutions to three refugee camps in Rwanda and in urban settings in Jordan. He holds a PhD in Physics from Imperial College London, which focused on techno-economic modelling of minigrids, and a master's degree in Theoretical Physics.
		Baryalai Sadiqi, Mercy Corp Baryalai Sadiqi holds a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from University of Pune, India on Environmental Engineering. He has been working with Mercy Corps in its native Afghanistan for more than 7 years, contributing to the set-up of the Renewable Energy Department. He is specialized in solar PV systems, including design, implementation, supervision, and management. Presently, he is Program Manager for the expanding Renewable Energy portfolio for Mercy Corps Afghanistan.

Resources

• The State of Sustainable Household Energy Access in Refugee Settings in Uganda: Survey Findings in Rhino Camp Settlement and Imvepi Settlement, Arua District, West Nile Region (EnDev 2019)
• Market Analysis: Energy Access for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon (Lighting Global): This report examines the current solar energy sector in a few select refugee settlements in Lebanon and offers a few insights into the potential market for solar lighting products.
• Procurement of Stand-alone Solar Kits for Humanitarian Aid (Lighting Global):This Technical Note provides guidance on procuring pico-solar and solar home system (SHS) kits for humanitarian aid. It presents the relevance of the Lighting Global Quality Standards, key procurement considerations, and a step-by-step procurement guide
• Solar Home System Kit Quality Standards (Lighting Global): This document describes the Quality Standards for Solar Home System Kits, which set a baseline level of quality, durability, and truth in advertising to protect consumers. Kits covered by these Standards must have a peak power of 350 W or less and a DC voltage of 35 V or less.
• Pico-PV Quality Standards (Lighting Global): These Standards apply to products with power up to and including 10 W.
• Quality Matters (Lighting Global): In 2017, Lighting Global tested 17 top-selling, non-quality verified solar products from retail stores in Ethiopia, Kenya, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
• Benefits of Harmonizing Test Methods and Quality Standards (Lighting Global): This Technical Note explains the importance and benefits of an internationally harmonized quality assurance framework for small scale solar photovoltaic (pico-PV) products. Benefits are outlined for specific stakeholder groups, and a summary of the Lighting Global Quality Assurance (QA).
• Shining a Light: How lighting in or around sanitation facilities affects the risk of gender-based violence in camps. Oxfam & WECD (2018)

Sep 2019

Sustainable Energy for Essential Humanitarian Services: Outline of Energy Solutions and a Case Study on Solar Pumping

Webinar recording

How is the corporate sector partnering with humanitarian organizations to provide energy for essential services, such as water, health, and education? This webinar – the second in the series – will present examples from companies such as Grundfos and Schneider Electric. It will also include an in-depth case study from ICRC on how solar pumping has benefited the community in Arsal, Lebanon.

Presentation

• Sustainable Energy for Essential Humanitarian Services

Speakers

		Olivier Jacquet, Schneider Electric Olivier Jacquet studied electrical engineering at University College, London UK, and at the French High School Centrale-Supélec. After he graduated his MSc, he also studied his MBA at College des Ingénieurs in Paris, France. Since 1998, Olivier hold various positions at Schneider Electric in solution sales, manufacturing, and entered general management roles since 2004, as Factory Manager in Western France, then as Zone Manager in Vietnam Philippines and Cambodia, and lately Senior Vice President for international projects in EMEA region.
		Christian Lenz, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Christian holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from ETH in Zurich, Switzerland and is currently an EMBA candidate at Politecnico di Milano, Italy. After graduating from ETH, he co-founded a startup in the field of electro-acoustic solutions for concert venues, gaining on eight years of experience as a live sound engineer. Since 2016 he is part of the ICRC engineering team having worked in Iraq, Yemen and currently in Lebanon. As Deputy Water and Habitat Coordinator, he supervises all projects related to access to essential services (water, wastewater, power supply, healthcare provision, education) for refugees and resident communities.
		Geraldine Tsui Yee Lin, Grundfos Holding A/S Geraldine has worked as Global product manager in Grundfos for 10 years, based in Denmark, and has been involved in the Solar Water solution almost ever since joined Grundfos. Throughout the last decade, Geraldine has been responsible for solar program management, product development as well as global solar market development with extensive cooperation with aid-organizations, private and public sectors. Before her employment in Grundfos, Geraldine has an engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Material Science. Followed her education, she worked in the semiconductor development in Hong Kong for 8 years.
		Morten Riis, Grundfos Holding A/S For more than 25 years, Morten Riis has worked in the field of technology & engineering, i.e. working with advanced systems - in the recent years focused on both energy and water – and in this respect participated in addressing the challenges on both globally. Morten is board member at the green think tank, Concito, at the Danish Water Forum ao. Previously, he has previously likewise served as member of the advisory board of the China Europe Water Platform (Integrated Urban Water Management) as well as member of the Steering Board at 2030 Water Resources Group. Before joining Grundfos, he served in other global companies such as ABB and Oracle. Morten has a background with degrees in engineering as well as Business Economics besides diplomas in journalism, process consulting and management.

Resources

• MiniGuide - Solar Water pumping
• RWSN (Rural Water Supply Network)
• Borno State Global Solar and Water assessment
• HELPDESK: solarquery@iom.int
• Webinar - Taking stock of solar pumping for domestic water supply – Operation & maintenance

June 2019

State of Play: Sustainable Energy in Humanitarian Settings

Webinar Recording

Presentation

• State of Play Sustainable Energy in Humanitarian Settings 2019

Speakers

		Marco Albertini, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) With a background in Environmental Engineering and Business Administration, Marco has 15 years of international experience in team coordination and project management in the fields of water and power supply and rehabilitation of infrastructures for essential services. He joined the ICRC in 2005 and undertook field missions coordinating humanitarian operations in Ethiopia, Pakistan, Palestine, Mauritania, Philippines, Lebanon, South Sudan. He is currently the Knowledge Manger for the ICRC Water and Habitat Unit at Geneva HQ.
		Raffaella Bellanca, World Food Programme Raffaella, Energy for Food Security coordinator at WFP, is an Access to Energy specialist focused on energy delivery models and the development of sustainable value chains that meet households, institutional, commercial and humanitarian needs for cooking, lighting, cooling and productive uses. On the topic, she has co-authored several papers and a book. Raffaella has entered the development sector as executive director of the energy practitioners network, HEDON, publisher of the peer reviewed journal Boiling Point. She has worked in the field, Haiti and Mali, as well as in London. Raffaella has worked in the energy sector for over twenty years, starting from simulating combustion processes in power plants (for ENEL SPA) and car engines. She experienced entrepreneurship first hand by co-founding a university spin-off clean-tech company, incubated by a technology centre in Sweden. She holds a PhD in Combustion Physics, MSc in Environmental Physics and a Master in Communication for Development.
		Francois Delfosse, Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holding a Master Degree in Geopolitics and a diploma of humanitarian applied logistic, François Delfosse has been working in the humanitarian sector for the past 21 years, including more than 11 years in the field. Currently Project manager, is developing a comprehensive and transversal Environmental Roadmap for MSF Operational Center Geneva, aiming at promoting and implementing environmental best practices, encompassing OCG environmental footprint and setting the frame to better understand the impact of climate change on populations’ needs and therefore reflect on our operational approach.
		Florent Eveillé, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Florent Eveillé coordinates the Safe Access to Fuel and Energy approach within and outside of FAO. Before ensuring this role, he worked for the FAO Office in West Bank & Gaza Strip. With a background in Natural Resources Management and Economics, Florent has covered different roles in the field of resilience, nature conservation, renewable energy and waste management in Central African Republic, France, Jordan, Lebanon and at EU level.
		Thomas Fohgrub, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Thomas is the head of the Coordination Unit for the Global Plan of Action for Sustainable Energy Solutions in Situations of Displacement, which is hosted at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and is steered by 13 key organizations from humanitarian aid and development assistance. He is working within UNITAR at this topic since two years. Before that, Thomas was for more than 4 years the focal point for trade and development, economic cooperation and sustainable energy at the German Mission to the UN in Geneva and served in other capacities for the German Ministries of Energy and Social Affairs before. He holds an MA in European Studies and a PhD in Management Consulting.
		Sergio Gelli, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Sergio Gelli works for the International Committee of the Red Cross- ICRC, as the Energy Initiatives Senior Advisor to the Board of Directors. Before joining the ICRC and covering roles of progressive responsibilities in the field and at Headquarters where he was until 2018 Deputy Head of the Water and Habitat Unit he worked for various organizations as Consultant in Public Health engineering in the Humanitarian Sector.
		Owen Grafham, Chatham House Owen Grafham joined Chatham House in May 2014. During his time in the Energy, Environment and Resources department, he has managed Chatham House's research and outreach on energy for displaced populations and the institute's work on energy-use inside the humanitarian system. Owen is the author of many papers on humanitarian energy including ‘Heat, Light and Power for Refugees: Saving Lives, Reducing Costs’ and ‘The Costs of Fuelling Humanitarian Aid’. He has been on the technical advisory board for a number of related projects including an Economic and Social Research (ESRC) funded study on the energy use of refugees conducted by Edinburgh University and an ongoing EPSRC-funded project at Coventry University – ‘Humanitarian Engineering and Energy for Displacement (HEED)’.
		Eva Mach, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Eva Mach works as Environmental Sustainability Programme Officer at the Headquarters of the International Organization for Migration – the UN Migration Agency (IOM). In this capacity, she manages IOM’s institutional Environmental Sustainability Programme which aims to connect environmental sustainability principles and practices with migration governance and management with a special focus on the clean energy transition and environmental management systems. She also contributes to IOM’s global policy work on water and energy related topics.
		Madeleine Marara, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Madeleine Marara, who has more than 10 years of mix-experience in the humanitarian, development and academic sectors, currently works at the Headquarters of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as an associate project officer, within the Energy and Environment Unit. Prior to joining UNHCR headquarters, she has worked in the field with UNHCR Rwanda Operation, where she developed the country SAFE (Safe Access to fuel and Energy) Strategy and managed its implementation. Her other work experience include work in the development sector, mainly in WASH, Environment and sustainable energy solutions in remote areas. Miss. Marara holds a BSc. Degree in civil engineering from KIST, Kigali - Rwanda and a MSc. degree In Environmental Sciences from IHE, Delft-The Netherlands.

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Further Resources on Humanitarian Energy

Find here some useful resources for further information:

Available resources on energypedia

• All articles on humanitarian-energy nexus
• Webinars organized within the humanitarian-energy nexus

Global Plan of Action

• Global Plan of Action - Framework for Action
• Global Plan of Action - Unitar website
• Identification And Analysis Of Standard Clauses Of PPA And Leasing Agreements For Energy Provision In The Humanitarian Sector
  
• Feasibility and Applicability of a Global Guarantee Mechanism in Humanitarian Energy Contracts
• SAFE Workshop 2019 - Final Report
  
• Humanitarian Energy Conference 2019 - Final Report
  
• Renewable Electrification of Refugee Camps – Phase 1

Mercy Corps

• Inclusive Energy Access 101 (Self-Paced Course)

Moving Energy Initiative

• The Costs of Fuelling Humanitarian Aid (2018)
• The Solar Energy Handbook - A guide to institutional solar for organizations working in humanitarian settings
• Private-Sector Engagement - The Key to Efficient, Effective Energy Access for Refugees. Toolkit (2016)
• Heat, Light and Power for Refugees Saving Lives, Reducing Costs (2015)
• Prices, Products and Priorities - Meeting Refugees’ Energy Needs in Burkina Faso and Kenya (2018)

Renewable Energy Transition

• McKinsey (2019): Energy Perspective 2019: Reference Case
• World Economic Forum (2019): Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2019
• World Economic Forum Website: Shaping the Future of Energy

Grantham Instittute

• Sustainable mini-grid systems in refugee camps: A case study of Rwanda (2020)

Blog Articles

• Rachel Kyte: https://www.seforall.org/news/on-world-humanitarian-day-its-time-we-finally-talk-about-energy-access
• Vijay Bhopal and Sandy Robinson: Is Sustainable Attainable?
  

Organizers