Micro-hydro power in Peru

Over the last few weeks we’ve looked at some innovative examples of how groups are reducing carbon emissions in communities across the UK. I hope that reading about Baywind, BedZED and SusMo has given you some food for thought about action you could take in your own communities.

There’s plenty of inspiring activity going on overseas too, and this week we’ll be highlighting some of the visionary renewable energy projects going on in developing countries.

First up is Practical Action, which has brought micro-hydro power to the Eastern slopes of the Andes in North Peru. The region’s difficult terrain and scattered population mean that few people have access to grid electricity, but with high rainfall and an extensive network of rivers and streams, micro-hydro power provides an efficient source of renewable electricity.

The project’s 47 micro-hydro schemes provide metered electricity to around 5,000 families, improving the standard of lighting, refrigeration and entertainment in the home, as well as enabling the use of better equipment in schools and healthcare facilities.

Improved access to power is improving the economy of the area too - around 25% of households have started or expanded businesses as a result of having electricity, and many people who left the villages to seek employment in the cities have come back and started local businesses.

You can read a case study about micro-hydro power in Peru on the Ashden Awards website.