A Handbook of Small-scale Energy Technologies

Gaining access to modern forms of energy remains a crucial but under-recognised aspect of poverty reduction in the Global South. Practical Action has long been recognised as a leading authority on energy access, with decades of development programme and project experience worldwide upon which to base its policy and practice recommendations. To mark the UN Year of Energy in 2012, Practical Action is publishing some of its best practical briefings and case study material for the benefit of energy development practitioners around the world. A Handbook of Small-scale Energy Technologies collects together in a single handy volume the best of Practical Action’s briefing papers on the generation, delivery and use of energy. From decentralized energy solutions such as micro-hydro to improved wood-burning stoves, the briefs are based on technologies adopted successfully in a range of countries and over many years. Each of the briefings presented in this book has been drawn up by technical experts in the subject and incorporates the lessons acquired from many years of learning and review. This is the first in a new series of Practical Answers handbooks that provide brief how-to guides on a variety of practical subjects for international development workers.