The Centre for Study and Research in Renewable Energy (CERER) is a research institute of the University Cheikh Anta DIOP of Dakar (UCAD) that was created in 1980. The centre’s mission is to research and develop renewable energy technologies that enhance the nation’s energy independence, economy and environment and to educate students, practitioners, and the public on results of this research. Our aim is to develop technologies and systems that enhance access to modern type of energy in and impact directly and positively people’s everyday lives.
The Centre’s major activities can be grouped in four categories: renewable energy development and demonstration (RD&D), education and outreach; testing and certifying solar energy systems; and technical assistance. The main areas of RD&D conducted by CERER are:
1) Renewable energy resource assessments directed towards an improve understanding of how best to take advantage of specific and local conditions in order to prioritise development and deployment of renewable energy; 2) Solar thermal research to support prototype development of new design of solar water heating systems, crop and food drying, solar water distillation, solar cooking (hot box cooker). 3) Passive solar building; 4) Wind energy : wind behaviour measurement and wind energy application: electricity and water pumping; 5) Bioenergy: biomass conversion, biofuels, fuelwood and charcoal cookstoves (test and design), anaerobic digestion and biogas production, biodigestor prototype design of new polymer (plastic), all these research aims to reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil, improve quality air, and support rural economies; 6) Socio-economic analysis and research: women in energy, integration of renewable energy into national development programs; 7) Photovoltaic systems: photovoltaic solar cells and related materials, characterisation of performance and reliability of PV modules and systems, standardise test for PV devices (regulators, batteries, converters, etc.),
Contact Information
Our Focus
At the beginning of 1980s, facing the ongoing desertification, the Government of Senegal (GoS) took some measures to fight against this problem. Thus a program funded by the USAID of improved cookstove made of a mixture of mud and sand to get fixed stove for rural areas was developed and implemented by CERER. This type of stove called "Ban ak Suf" was introduced with some success. However, the process stopped when there was no longer public and international finance and this activity nearly stopped in 1990s.
The challenge of today is to bring back all the knowledge that was lost in the 1990s and to launch sustainable projects. This process has started since mid 2005 with FASEN (Improved Cookstove in Senegal) implemented by GIZ. Another program linked with forest management (PROGEDE) is funded by the World Bank. All these program are intended to large improved cookstove dissemination on a market based orientation. But they need laboratory and field test to assure success of ICS dissemination.CERER provides training to stoves producers, laboratory test and monitors the quality of ICS.
Our Experience And Interest In The Four PCIA Central Focus Areas
Traditional use of biomass can be improved through the introduction of stoves with better energy efficiency and indoor air quality. However we must of course respect users habits and traditions and take account local manufacturing capabilities, variable fuel quality, as well as actual usage conditions. CERER is aware of this and works closely with local groups to develop concepts that will be user-friendly.
A market-based approach in commercialization of ICS is often viewed as the best way to ensure sustainability of ICS projects. Some strategies have been developed for ICS dissemination in close cooperation with the FASEN and the PROGEDE. These strategies involve women organisations in promoting and selling improved cookstoves, and networking trained producers. There is a growing interest to find ways to trigger more market-based approaches to foster large scale dissemination of ICS. CERER is keen to learn about actual market development from other partners.
CERER provides performance testing service for current and new prototye of stoves. This is vital in assuring the success of improved cookstove dissemination. Standards and characteristics of stoves need to be established in order to raise awareness among consumers and help them to obtain a reliable stove that conforms to safety, health and technical performance standards. CERER is working on developing stoves standards and certification protocols.
In order to evaluate ICS dissemination programs, standard monitoring and evaluation need to be developed. CERER is in the process of elaborating monitoring and evaluation methods. This will include accurate measurements of emissions and stove performance. The aim is to justify what programs achieve in large-scale dissemination.
Relevant Publications or Studies
None noted
Our Contribution to the Partnership
CERER is open to share knowledge and experience, and would like also to have access to open source information in order to build capacity.
