IEEE Electrification Magazine - June 2017 - 12

(a)

(b)

Figure 7. The CEIG (a) Generation I and (b) Generation II are seen installed in the Sabongari microgrid. [Photos courtesy of REIC (Jude Numfor).]

Modularity and ease of maintenance are emphasized
throughout the system. The CEIG can be upgraded in the
field by simply replacing the alternator with one of a larger capacity up to 70 kVA, and spare parts are easily obtained from old cars and spare part dealers in the villages.
Consequently, troubleshooting and repair can be accomplished by any auto mechanic.

Papua new Guinea
Located just 300 km north of Australia, Papua New Guinea
(PNG) is one of the most diverse countries in the world,
with a population of 7.46 million, 840 languages, and a
predominantly tribal societal structure. Despite strong
growth in PNG's mining and resources sectors, the majority of the population lives in poverty: 40% live on less than
US$1 a day and 82% live in dispersed subsistence-based
agricultural villages.
The Madan Community in the Jiwaka Province is the
center and base site for a joint project between IEEE
Smart Village and Transform International that is
bringing electricity, intranet, education, safe water,
proper sanitation, and community empowerment programs throughout the Waghi River Valley. Within the
10-km project radius, there are seven tribes with an

Figure 8. A typical Madan school: no desks, books, blackboard, toilets, water, light, electricity, or established curriculum, but plenty of
enthusiasm and hope. [Photo courtesy of Na Wokabaut (Aarlie Hull).]

I E E E E l e c t r i f i c ati o n M agaz ine / j un e 2017

estimated 44,000 people and 40 schools with an average of 275 students each. Nearly all schools lack safe
drinking water, electricity, proper sanitation, desks,
books, and other critical teaching resources (Figure 8).
Community-based initiatives stand out as the most
viable solution to stable community growth and creation
of critical infrastructure. An example is the Madan Community in the Jiwaka Province, which is establishing a
new paradigm characterized by sustainable entrepreneurship promoting economic development and retention of
ambitious, educated community members who are currently leaving Madan in search of job opportunities in
bigger cities.
With the highest infant and child mortality rate
among all the Pacific countries (one out of 25 children
die of waterborne diseases), PNG also ranks last for
clean water and proper sanitation: 68% of the rural population does not have access to safe drinking water, and
59% lacks proper sanitation. Small streams and rivers
(the primary source of water for drinking, bathing, and
clothes-washing) are contaminated with fecal bacteria
and agricultural runoff. Wells, which are rare, also have
the same problem. Meanwhile, boiling or any other
purification method is not practiced by the residents.
Electrification and accompanying digital-learning technologies are critical steps to community-wide health
education and training in water, sanitation, and
hygiene practices.
The energy needs of the Madan community are similar
to those of another 90% of PNG's population who lack reliable, sustainable electricity. Electrification is a life-changing factor for the people of PNG, who rely on candles,
kerosene lamps, and wood fires for light. During the rainy
season, women and children spend their time in dark,
smoky huts. Additionally, children are unable to study
after dusk and are exposed to lung and eye damage. The
existing power grid is also already struggling, and blackouts can last for more than a week, but grid extension into
isolated communities, such as Madan, is not likely soon.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of IEEE Electrification Magazine - June 2017