Harnessing forest preservation through electrical power methods
In Tajikistan, a country grappling with an energy crisis, Welthungerhilfe is making strides in addressing the issue by constructing small hydropower and solar plants. These projects, designed to improve energy access in rural communities, are also contributing to climate change mitigation, air quality enhancements, and women's empowerment.
One key aspect of these projects is the distribution of efficient cookstoves, which not only reduce indoor air pollution but also lower fuel consumption and cut greenhouse gas emissions. The improved cooking facilities account for 71 percent of the emissions savings, making a significant impact on the environment.
These efficient cookstoves are more efficient, requiring less wood, and are subsidized for vulnerable households. In addition, Welthungerhilfe is harnessing renewable energies, primarily hydropower from the tributaries of the Zarafshan. These efforts have resulted in savings of more than 20,000 tons of CO emissions annually.
Local production facilities for energy-efficient technologies, such as double-glazed windows and fuel-saving cookstoves, are being established to further support these initiatives. Technicians are also being trained for the maintenance of the power plants, and an electricity company at the district level is being established to manage the distribution of electricity.
The construction of eight micro hydro powerplants and solar plants can fulfill the electricity needs of 6,000 people, providing a much-needed energy solution in rural areas. The new cooking stoves make cooking easier because food is less likely to burn and drastically reduce smoke pollution, improving overall air quality.
A local potato farmer, Zohir Zohirov, has been instrumental in this initiative. After attending a Welthungerhilfe information session on modified cooking stoves, he decided to apply for training to build cooking stoves. Since then, he has been driving up to 20 km to other villages to install cooking stoves, building them in his home village of Dehisor and surrounding communities.
Local repair workshops for the power plants are also being established to ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects. While the emission savings aspects of Welthungerhilfe projects in the last 10 years are not specified in the provided paragraph, the organization's official reports or website would be the best sources for specific and updated details on their project impacts in Tajikistan.
- The distribution of efficient cookstoves, a significant contributor to emissions savings, is facilitated by Welthungerhilfe in Tajikistan, accounting for 71 percent of the total emissions reduction.
- In addition to small hydropower and solar plants, Welthungerhilfe is also establishing local production facilities for energy-efficient technologies like double-glazed windows and fuel-saving cookstoves, aiming to further support renewable energy initiatives.
- To ensure the long-term sustainability of these projects, Welthungerhilfe is also establishing local repair workshops for the maintenance of power plants and setting up district-level electricity companies for the management of electricity distribution.
