INTEGRATION has wide experience in implementing energy projects, especially renewable energy (RE) programmes including hydropower, photovoltaic and solar thermal systems, wind and biomass energy. INTEGRATION is specialised in the implementation of RE programs; our approach is to combine the technical features of the project with socio-economic, socio-cultural and gender-specific activities.

Thus we focus on the development of adapted tariff structures and the implementation of private ownership systems such as Rural Electricity Service Companies (RESCOs) as well and contribute to the provision of environmentally friendly sources of electricity in remote areas.

The focal area and source of electricity provision in our RE programs are the usage of small hydropower. In this sector INTEGRATION implements Technical Assistance Projects and feasibility studies and provides hydropower planning and construction from technical design to preparation of tender and bidding documents and construction and construction supervision.

Small Hydropower

INTEGRATION has broad experience in small hydropower planning and construction for power plants smaller than 10 MW. This includes detailed planning of all components including hydrology, headrace and tailrace canal, inlet and outlet bay, power station complex, major equipment, electrical design and transmission line and interconnection. As a rule the complete construction works are undertaken by local companies and manpower under supervision of the project. The future power plant staff and management are trained to undertake operation and maintenance and metering and billing independently as much as possible. Furthermore, the population is supported in productive use of electricity for income generation.

INTEGRATION has broad experience in reconnaissance studies, feasibility studies and examination reports of small hydropower stations. This includes both run-of-river and high head power plants. Reconnaissance studies determine overall economic, engineering, environmental and social feasibility of hydropower and make recommendations for further studies. Feasibility studies include topography, hydrology and power potential, geology, geotechnics and seismicity, alternative layout structures, project design, cost estimates, access facilities and construction planning, power market, environmental impact assessment, economical and financial analysis and resettlement plans. Examination reports test the existing feasibility study for plausibility, correctness and profitability and support local decision makers.

INTEGRATION project examples:

• Hydropower Brochure
• PAKISTAN: Management, Design and Supervision of Machai Hydropower Project (2.6 MW) (2009 – 2013)
• INDONESIA: Micro Hydropower Technical Support Unit TSU (2009 - 2012)
• INDONESIA: Participatory Capacity Needs Assessment in the (Sub-) Sector of Micro/Mini Hydropower in Indonesia (2009 - 2010)
• AFGHANISTAN: Programme Decentralized Power Supply through Renewable Energies (2007 – 2011)
• AFGHANISTAN: Hydropower Training Programme (2008 – 2010)
• MADAGASCAR: Lokoho Small Hydropower for Rural Development (2005 – 2007)
• PAKISTAN: National Programme for Promotion of Hydropower (2003 - 2006)
• ECUADOR: Utilisation of Renewable Energy Resources (2003 - 2005)
• NEPAL: Promotion of Small-Scale Hydropower Utilization (2000 – 2002)
• CHINA/TIBET: Rehabilitation of Small Hydropower Stations in the A.R. Tibet (1995 – 2002)
  

Other Renewable Energy Activities (Solar, Wind, Biomass)

INTEGRATION has significant experience with solar, wind and biomass energy. Photovoltaic systems have been implemented in the form of solar home systems and solar and hybrid solar/wind/diesel mini-grids and village electrification. Solar thermal systems have been employed for both private and commercial production of hot water. Wind energy systems have been implemented in the form of stand alone hybrid and grid connected wind farms. Biomass energy systems have been applied for the production of biogas, electricity and heat and biofuels for transportation.

Services in the field of solar, wind and biomass energy include resource assessment, market surveys, technical and feasibility studies, system design and specification, tendering, installation and installation supervision, evaluation of existing systems and suggestions for improvement, support in the development of guidelines and manuals for the planning, procurement, installation, operation and maintenance of renewable energy systems.

Capacity building forms a major part of these services and includes training for system planners in system design and specification, improvement of operation and maintenance for existing systems, training of installers in installation, operation and maintenance.
Legal, policy and management aspects form the basis of successful renewable energy projects. Services include advisory services for the development of a legal framework and strategy for the use of renewable energy in rural electrification, development and application of management models and support in the implementation of pilot projects to prove that the use of renewable energy for energy supply is technically and economically feasible.

INTEGRATION project examples:

• BRAZIL: Energy Program Brazil, Component ‘Rural Electrification’ (2009 – 2012)
• PAKISTAN: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program, Phase II (2009 – 2011)
• MONGOLIA: Utilization of Renewable Energies, Phase III (2007 – 2010)
• TUNISIA: Electrification by wind/solar hybrid systems (2008 – 2009)
• CHINA: Development of Biomass Power Generation in Rural Areas (2008 – 2009)
• CHINA: Energy / Environment Programme (2003 – 2009)
• TANZANIA: Promotion of Renewable Energy in Rural Areas (2005 – 2008)
• CENTRAL ASIA: Regional Report Renewable Energies in Central Asia -Energy Investment Guide- (2005 – 2008)
• PAKISTAN: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Program, Phase I (2005-2008) 
• MONGOLIA: Promotion of Renewable Energy (2002 - 2007)
• PAKISTAN: Renewable Energy Development Project (2005 – 2006)
• TANZANIA: Survey on Biofuels for Transportation (2005)
• MONGOLIA: Utilisation of Renewable Energy Sources (1999 – 2002)