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the Training Programme on Renewable Energy : Micro Hydro Power for Rural Development in ASEAN Region Bandung, 18 25 June, 2012
Appropriate technology
From www.wikipedia.org
Appropriate technology is technology that is most appropriate to the environment and culture it is intended to support. It is suitable for use in developing nations or underdeveloped rural areas of industrialized nations, which may lack the money and specialised expertise to operate and maintain high technology. In practice, it is often something that might be described as using the simplest and most benign level of technology that can effectively achieve the intended purpose in a particular location.
Rural electrification In poor areas of the world, many remote communities still do not have access to electricity. Micro hydropower allows such communities to generate their own electricity. Many international organisations and governments support this form of development by project financing, support, favourable policy and technology transfer.
Disadvantages
Nevertheless also a number of disadvantages have to be considered when comparing MHP to other energy sources. Small-scale hydropower
is associated with high capital (investment) costs; requires a considerable amount of specialist know-how which is not always locally available; note, that MHP is not simply a scaled-down version of full-scale hydropower but uses unique design and construction techniques; MHP schemes require a simple but continuous effort for operation and maintenance which rural communities are not always prepared to provide (lack of organisational capacities, lack of cash: issues which have to be considered carefully during planning).
Mechanical Power
Alternatively, to generating electricity, micro-hydro power can be used directly as "shaft power" for many industrial applications. These productive uses may include but may not be limited to milling, husking and pumping.
Peoples participation
Because of the small size the projects allow the involvement of local villagers in the full range of activities, starting during the implementation up to the operation, maintenance and management; an advantage which can usually not be associated to large hydro developments. The involvement during implementation can reduce implementation cost and adds local (sweat) equity to the project, which increases also often the level of commitment towards the project.
Widespread potential Due to the small size of the plants suitable locations are widely spread (compared to large scale hydropower). In most cases a suitable location is found in the vicinity of a village. The decentralised electrification approach also leads to reduced costs for transmission lines.
Local manufacture Simple but sophisticated turbine designs and fabrication technique encourage local manufacture. considerably cheaper then imported equipment. service, know-how and spare parts available locally.
Flexible design approaches for civil works A wide range of designs and materials is possible for the civil works (compared to heavy concrete and steel structures used in large hydro).
Minimum adverse impacts Concerns on social or environmental impacts are rarely raised. Compared to large hydro projects, particularely if they incorporate large dams, small hydro - relocation and resettlement of local people is rarely required - environmental impacts are minimised - fish population is usually not decreased - arable land is usually not flooded
o Development of training modules o Operator Training during construction and commissioning o Management training of finance and administration management
o Increased awareness of the importance of providing electricity for social infrastructure o Provision of counseling about the importance given reasonable tariff to be paid any social facilities (not free!)
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Learned Lessons
MHP development for rural electrification can be done commercially reasonable if the applied tariffs and the calculation period > 15 years. To ensure the sustainability of a MHP, collecting public funds should be sufficient to fund all operational, maintenance and reinvestment costs (this is often ignored). It is a good business plan should be drawn from the initial project. There are ability and willingness to pay a reasonable and fair tarrif in Indonesia, however, this is often not addressed properly by project executor so that there is a wrong policy by the public.
Summary
Summarising it can be said that small-scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective and reliable energy technologies to be considered for providing clean electricity generation at the rural area, and as entry point for community development
Thank you