Energy efficiency for rural development in the municipality of Keda

Inclusive rural growth and improving the well-being of rural communities in Georgia

Overview

Several projects have helped to make the community of Keda in Georgia greener by enabling innovations in infrastructure and transport and raising citizens' awareness of available energy efficient (EE) and renewable energy (RE) solutions.

Background

Within the framework of cooperation between the Caucasus Environmental NGO Network (CENN) and NTC, a project was implemented in February 2021 to equip a number of schools in Keda Municipality with modern heating systems and introduced energy efficient technologies.

As part of the third phase of ENPARD (ENPARD III), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Georgia is implementing the project “Improving Rural Development in Georgia” (IRDG). The project contributes to improve governance in rural development, rural economic diversification and sustainable environmental management, focusing on the introduction of EE/RE solutions to Keda as one of its target priorities.

Within the framework of the Grassroots Human Security Program (GGP) the project for “Provision of Community Eco Bus in Keda Municipality” intends to purchase an adapted micro electric bus for people with disabilities in Keda Municipality.

Objectives

The first project, Installation of Energy Efficient Technologies in the Rural Public Schools of Keda Municipality, involved improving energy supply by designing and improving the central heating systems and insulation of the schools to reduce heat loss, as well as building the energy management capacity of the school administration.


Secondly, the UNDP/ENPARD Improving Rural Development in Georgia (IRDG) project focuses on thermal solutions such as improving thermal energy efficiency and renewable energy generation for heating and air conditioning systems. To achieve this, the project encourages Georgian companies to discover and develop the rural market for thermal insulation and renewable energy. In addition to promotional and marketing activities, the project also supports the demonstration of EE/RE solutions in practice. This will be achieved by demonstrating the technologies in some clusters of houses.

The third project aims to ensure safe and affordable low-emission transport for citizens in the community. The project budget will be used to purchase the latest disability-friendly electric minibus.

Activities

The LEADER project was implemented with financial support from the European Union (EU) and the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC). Within the framework of the project, the following activities were implemented for all public schools in the municipality of Keda:

  1. Purchase of photovoltaic systems for 29 schools, total of 88.2 kilowatts
  2. Installation of 109 energy efficient (75% energy efficiency) stoves for 38 schools
  3. Installation of 34 solar water heaters for 15 schools (20 heaters with a 200-litre tank and 14 with a 300-litre water tank)
  4. Installation of water boilers integrated into the existing system of two schools
  5. Water boiler installation and preparation of operation and maintenance projects and            respective guidelines on improvement of the heating systems for four schools
  6. Installation of fire safety stands for 62 school
  7. Installation of heat insulation materials (fiberglass) in 54 schools
  8. Introduction of non-formal energy education in schools
  9. Establishment of demonstration centres for the rural population

Each EE/RE demonstrational cluster which is intended to support the developing rural market for thermal insulation and renewable energy, will have an average of 5 to 8 participating households. They will be exhibiting already identified technologies such as envelope insulation, vacuum solar water heaters, simple solar water heaters and simple solar air heaters in various combinations. Additionally, as one of the activities of the second project one  demonstration site (envisaged to be Keda), shall serve as a pilot ground for testing an innovative business model. A business will be supported in procuring a transportable heating/cooling system (air-to-air heat pump) that will be seasonally rented out to users. E.g. in winter for room heating, in fall and spring for greenhouse heating and in summer for the cooling of storage spaces. Thus, the technology will be used all year around reducing idle time and increasing cost-benefit.

The cooperation of Keda municipality with the  Embassy of Japan, envisages the purchase of an electric minibus and the construction of a garage owned by the municipality. Public transport in the small town of Keda ensures the safe movement of citizens and hence their socio-economic wellbeing. The electric bus will transport passengers continuously at a minimum cost. The project will provide free travel for vulnerable groups, decrease vehicle use and reduce emissions while enhancing environmental protection. Reducing the number of cars will also create better conditions for pedestrians.

Effects

The number of beneficiaries impacted by the EU-funded Keda LEADER pilot project are 2,057 students and 587 teachers. 35% of the afore mentioned beneficiaries are socially vulnerable. As a follow up, trainings of the schools in energy efficiency are planned.  Investing in energy efficient technologies is justified in the long run to reduce costs and promote a responsible „green“ corporate culture.

By introducing energy efficiency solutions such as wall insulation, roof insulation, double-glazed windows and thermal innovations such as solar-powered water heaters, solar air heaters and heat pumps into rural areas at larger scale, the IRDG project will provide ample space for cost reduction and improve living conditions for local citizens.

The Municipality’s hospital, schools, kindergartens and municipal and public agencies require transportation services that should be affordable to every user. All citizens commuting in the rural area need affordable, safe and handicapped accessible public transport to ensure their mobility. All these needs alongside the high rate of elderly population living in Keda municipality, underline the importance of establishing an electric bus in Keda.

Conclusions

The above mentioned projects will be successful in promoting inclusive rural growth and improving the well-being of rural communities through the implementation of innovative approaches that generate diverse employment opportunities, promote climate smart practices, develop integrated natural resource management and protect the environment.

more information

Website: www.kedatourism.ge

Published: 24/09/2021

Contact

Raul Tsintsadze

Director of Keda Tourism Development Center LLC

Mobile: (+995577) 225289

Email: raultsintsadze(at)gmail.com

Images

Categories: Integrated urban development Energy efficiency and renewable energy Urban heritage
Regions: Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Georgia Keda

Location

Related Good Practices

Related events

Top