Dimensions of energy security in Small Island Developing States

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that import oil, energy security is very important and dealt with seriously. This paper attempts to fill a gap in the literature by identifying the dimensions that shape a secure and sustainable supply of energy in SIDS. Seven dimensions were identified and incorporated into a framework for conceptualising and assessing SIDS energy security which are: import dependency; energy prices; climate change and resilience; governance; infrastructure; equity; and energy efficiency. This study also recommends selected strategies and actions to improve energy security in SIDS

Efficiency of Moringa oleifera and Polyaluminium Chloride for Sludge Thickening

The viability of using Moringa oleifera seed extract as a plant based coagulant in comparison to Polyaluminium Chloride a commonly used chemical coagulant for the thickening of activated sludge was investigated. Moringa oleifera also known as the drumstick tree or horseradish is widely found throughout Mauritius. This tree is considered as a miracle tree by many researchers due to its numerous benefits ranging from purification of water to the manufacture of oil and biodiesels. To investigate the coagulant properties of the Moringa oleifera and Polyaluminium Chloride, the zone settling test and the jar test were conducted. The zone settling tests and the jar tests showed a difference ranging from 2.1%- 4.8% for the first 30 minutes for Moringa oleifera and Polyaluminium Chloride which showed similar coagulant relationship. Thus Moringa oleifera was found to be as efficient as Polyaluminium chloride and can thus be easily used as a natural coagulant.Keywords: Moringa oleifera, Polyaluminium Chloride, Activated Sludge, Natural Coagulant, Flocculatio

Biogas Production from Food Wastes and Algae

No Abstrac

Energy Optimization in Dyehouse

Energy crisis has compelled dyehouse to review its energy usage as well as the production process. The aim of this study was to assess energy optimization in dyehouse. A dyehouse was studied where it was required to assess the effectiveness of applying one coating of an insulating paint on a dyeing machine to reduce energy losses. An energy balance based on data compiled was derived where the theoretical steam consumption was found for unpainted and painted dyeing machine. The consequent reduction in total energy and steam usage were then analysed. An economical analysis was then undertaken to assess the feasibility of the project. The usage of the paint decreased losses by at least 15% and total energy by 6.9%. The average consumption of steam dropped from 1.06 to 0.98 Kg/Kg fabric with a coating of thickness 200 μm. Both the simple and discounted payback periods indicated that the initial investment on the paint, whose shell life is 2 years, would be recuperated by the 11th month. The positive net present value (2411 MUR) and high internal rate of return (80%) obtained suggested that the project should go ahead.Keywords: Insulation paint, steam consumption, energy optimization, dyehous

Effectiveness of Alkaline Pretreatment on Fruit Wastes for Bioethanol Production

No Abstrac

Strategies development by DIREKT for the Small Island Developing States to enhance renewable energy utilisation

Given the current global situation of scarce energy resources, rapidly rising fossil-fuel prices and drastic climate changes, it is recognised that the promotion and application of Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficient (EE) technologies is of vital importance for sustainable socioeconomic development in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The DIREKT network (Small Developing Island Renewable Energy Knowledge and Technology Transfer) is a teamwork scheme that involves the participation and collaboration of various universities from Germany, Fiji, Mauritius, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The aim of the DIREKT project is to reinforce science and technology competency in the domain of renewable energy through technology transfer, information exchange and networking, targeting ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) SIDS as they are more vulnerable to problems associated with climate change. The overall objectives of the DIREKT project consist, basically, of enhancing sustainable collaboration between the participant countries and the EU, and transferring research results on the key topic of renewable energies, by putting into operation “technology transfer centres” in the participant countries. To help in achieving these aims, the partners of the DIREKT project have set up short-term, medium-term and long-term strategies to be applied to SIDS