Main question

How is appropriate technology used for sustainable energy micro-generation in developing countries?

• Resource A

  
  
  
  

  Micro Hydro Pros - Advantages

  
  

  • - MHP is decentralised, renewable, robust, and simple technology.
    
    
  • - It only takes a small amount of flow (as little as few litres per minute) or a fall (drop) as low as 1 m to generate electricity
    
    
  • - Electricity can be delivered as far as 1 km away from the location where it is being used.
    
    
  • - If planned carefully and well adapted to the environmental conditions, micro hydropower schemes produce a continuous and predictable supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies.
    
    
  • - The peak energy season is during the winter months when large quantities of electricity are required.
    
    
  • - MHP is considered to function as a ‘run-of-river’ system, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology.
    
    
  • - Further advantages include low distribution and running costs (requires no fuel and only low maintenance) as well as local implementation and management.
    
    
  • - Moreover, hydropower is a durable and robust technology; systems typically last for 50 years or more without major new investments.
    
    

  
  
  
  

  Micro Hydro Cons - Disadvantages

  
  

  There are, however, a number of disadvantages that need to be taken into account.

  
  

  • - MHP plants require certain site conditions and are thus not suitable for any location. e.g. it is necessary to consider the distance from the power source to the location where the energy is required – otherwise, the size and flow of small streams may restrict future site expansion as the power demand increases.
    
    
  • - The generation of electricity is highly dependent on sufficient river discharge. In many locations, the stream size will fluctuate seasonally. During the summer months there will likely be less flow and therefore lower power output – possibly during the period of highest demand e.g. the tourist season.
    
    
  • - In order to take full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams, a suitable site is needed. Factors to consider are: distance from the power source to the location where energy is required, stream size (including flow rate, output and drop), and a balance of system components
    
    
  
  
  
  • - Environmental impacts need to be taken into account e.g. tree felling to clear the ground for setting up the water pipes can lead to soil erosion.
    
    

  Information from energypedia site:
  https://energypedia.info/wiki/Micro_Hydro_Power_(MHP)_-_Pros_and_Cons Creative Commons 3.0

• Resource B

  
  

  A video clip showing the development of a micro hydro project in Nepal funded by the United Nations Development Programme. The film was released in January, 2013.

  
  
  
  
  

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXYJYNZpPmo

  
  

• Resource C

  
  

  A report published by the World Bank (February 2014) that presents information about 1,000 Micro Hydro projects built in 52 areas of Nepal.

  
  

  http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2014/02/05/renewable-energy-powers-rural-nepal-into-the-future

  
  

• Resource D

  
  

  Information about a Micro Hydro scheme that was built in the village of Ghandruk – a popular tourist village in central Nepal.

  
  
  
  

  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/57a08cf3e5274a31e0001554/R8148-Ghandruk.pdf

  
  

• Resource E

  
  

  A diagram showing how ‘run of the river’ micro hydro schemes operate and more background information about the exemplar projects.

  
  
  
  

  https://practicalaction.org/micro-hydro-power