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SEEED: PRODUCTIVE END USE AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

12/30/2020

Our initiative Social Enterprise for Energy, Ecological and Economic Development (SEEED) supports community-scale hydro practitioners and communities to achieve long-term technical, environmental, institutional, and financial sustainability of their hydro mini-grids -- towards lasting community empowerment and increased climate resilience.

Central to the SEEED approach is the transition of community-based hydro mini-grids that have limited operation and barely surviving financially (e.g. limited to being a social asset only), into becoming self-sustained social enterprises that earn from well-managed, nature-based electricity generation and distribution for household, social, and enterprise use. The difference between the social asset only and the social enterprise outcomes are illustrated in the two figures below.

The transition to successful social enterprise requires a number of core elements (as shown below). The foundational elements focus on functionality, namely quality of technical design and installation, as well as the condition of the catchment area that dictates the seasonal and long-term consistency of the water flow. These have been discussed in previous posts, discussing the need for technical standards and watershed strengthening.

This quarter we spotlight the SEEED elements that can be achieved once reliability is established, namely productive end use and inclusive enterprise aspects that bring value-add to local livelihoods.

Since the formation of our Productive End Use (PEU) Work Stream in 2015, we have been collating and ground truthing end uses of hydro mini-grids. We will soon be updating our PEU knowledge portal to include a compilation of community hydro end uses for cooking, healthcare, economic recovery, and climate resilience.

Our initial assessment of hydro mini-grids in the Asia Pacific have identified sub-elements that differentiate various models of inclusive enterprise, including the following:

Inclusive ownership models
Cost-recovery models
Revenue generation models (i.e. connection fees and tariff)
Effective management processes
Access to credit and smart subsidy

We will soon collaborate with partners to further analyze best practices within each of these sub-elements. The following examples of enterprise-based hydro mini-grids continue to inspire and refine our approach to the SEEED initiative, in terms of management, ownership, productive end use, and livelihoods enhancement aspects.

Asia Pacific

Winrock Nepal economically revived five micro hydro projects in Nepal, using a peer-to-peer approach, supported by WISIONS. Read more here.
The association Hydropower for Community Empowerment in Myanmar (HyCEM) is transitioning to cooperative-based models for hydro mini-grids. Read more here.
Hydropower Concern Ltd., under the leadership of Bir Bahadur Ghale in Nepal, uses a developer-owned approach that has led to high productive end use and economic resilience. Read more here.
The Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has established community-owned mini-hydropower utilities that are electrifying entire valleys, while nurturing women-led enterprise. Read more here.

Africa

Energising Development (EnDev) Ethiopia is initiating a process to revive micro hydro projects, in order to instill optimization in end use and long-term sustainability using an enterprise-based approach. Read more here.
The Association des Ingénieurs pour le Développement des Energies Renouvelables (AIDER) installs and operates micro hydro systems in Madagascar. Read more here.

Latin America

Association of Rural Development Workers—Benjamin Linder (ATDER-BL) has interconnected multiple hydro mini-grids with each other, providing electricity to a sub-region in northern Nicaragua. Read more here.

As a part of our knowledge exchange process (below), we continue to look for additional examples for peer-to-peer exchange, in order to collectively advance community-scale hydropower. If you would like to share about your approach to sustainable hydro mini-grids, please let us know here!

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ETHIOPIA: REVIVING AND OPTIMIZING HYDRO MINI-GRIDS

12/28/2020

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In addition to Asia Pacific examples that inspire our SEEED initiative, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) through Energising Development (EnDev) Ethiopia is initiating a process to revive micro hydro projects, in order to instill optimization in end use and long-term sustainability using an enterprise-based approach.

The team leader for the project is HPNET member Bart Jan van Beuzekom, who previously led the formation of EnDeV Nepal’s Micro Hydro Debt Fund, a rare credit line made available to community-based micro hydro.

Read on to learn more about EnDev Ethiopia’s efforts to review and optimize hydro mini-grids.

A study developed by the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, the World Resources Institute, the World Bank and others estimates Ethiopia’s untapped mini hydro potential (< 1MW) to be 267.5 MW. Tapping this potential can help to address the 67% of Ethiopia’s rural population that is unelectrified. Towards providing energy access to the 60 million people that remain unelectrified across the country, EnDev Ethiopia has been actively advancing small-scale hydropower through project implementation and capacity building, in partnership with the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Irrigation and Energy (MoWIE) and the GIZ Green People’s Energy for Africa (GPE) initiative.

EnDev Ethiopia supported the development of five micro hydro projects (MHPs) from 2013 - 2016, with the aim to enhance rural livelihoods through productive end use. Two of these sites are operating at limited capacity, while three have stopped operating. Implemented on a cost-sharing basis with local partners to pilot MHP management by cooperatives, EnDev Ethiopia is committed to reviving and optimizing all of the projects. The five MHP sites are located in the regions of SNNPR and Oromia, as shown on the map below.

MHP Site Locations in SNNPR and Oromia, Ethiopia. Credit: Google Earth.

The five MHP mini-grids feature the following key data:

Credit: GIZ.

The initial phase of the effort involved field visits to understand the social, technical, and management issues faced by each of the projects. The next phase, as detailed in the released ToR, focuses on structured data collection to assess reviving and optimizing the project focusing on the following assessments for each project.

Technical assessment.  The condition, functionality, operation records, safety, flow data, and electricity generation, units sold, and costs will be assessed, along with assessment of whether extending the distribution to nearby villages is feasible.

Management assessment.  The details of the MHP management roles and responsibilities; tariff collection; business model strengths and weaknesses; disputes; and the management aspects of the cooperative.

Productive end use assessment. Skillset for enterprise management, productive end use opportunities, regional best practices, catalog of end uses optimal for each cooperative, business plan for increasing load factors and revenue generation, appropriate micro finance institutions, and opportunities for scale up.

Social assessment.  Impact of electricity access on gender aspects, equitable decision making, and social service institutions.

EnDev Ethiopia’s initiative to rehabilitate and optimize micro hydro projects for economical and technical resilience are commendable and will lead to in-depth best practices for new project implementation and rehabilitating existing mini-grids. We look forward to following up with an update on the outcomes!

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EARTH VOICES: FROM KALASH, PAKISTAN

12/23/2020

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Our Earth Voices feature series explores how small-scale hydropower promotes ecological integrity and community well-being. Each edition highlights an indigenous community that practices environmental sustainability and conservation through community-scale hydropower.

In this edition of Earth Voices, environmental economist Mr. Hashim Zaman takes you to the Kalasha Valleys, in the heart of the Hindukush mountain range of Pakistan, where community-based mini hydropower (< 1MW) enables community-led initiatives and social enterprise development. For the indigenous Kalasha, this has helped build climate resilience as well as preserve their traditions and culture in one of the most isolated and inaccessible mountainous regions of Pakistan.

Note to readers: While our earlier Earth Voices case studies were developed using interviews, due to lack of direct access to the remote Kalash hydro communities at this time, we leveraged the next best option -- secondary research. We hope that you still find the article an insightful read on how community-scale hydropower has impacted the Kalasha.

A jeep enroute to Kalash valley. Credit: Zindagi-zoq-e-Safar

Descendants of Alexander the Great

Tucked away in the mighty Hindukush range resides an ancient tribe known as the Kalasha. The indigenous communities of Kalash reside amidst the three mountain valleys of Bamburet, Rumboor and Birir, located in the Chitral District of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of northern Pakistan. [1]

Kalasha girls celebrate during a festival. Credit: Kamal Zain

The Kalasha form the smallest minority community residing in Pakistan. They are a unique tribe with a distinct language, folklore, tribal customs, and a polytheistic religion. [2] The Kalasha believe that they are descendants of Alexander the Great, with some evidence suggesting that they originated in Syria. There are also traces of a possible history with the Indo-Aryans and the equestrian tribesmen, who roamed the Black and Caspian seas and migrated as far as South Asia. [1]

The way of life for the last of the Kalasha

Kalasha family in Rumbur Valley. Credit: Sanam Saeed

Many historians have expressed their concern over the declining Kalasha culture. Once large in number, the Kalasha population has dwindled down to nearly 5,000 inhabitants. [2] Preservation of local traditions and rituals has diminished, partly owing to locals exhibiting astounding interfaith harmony with surrounding regions. [1] Both forced and voluntary conversions to Islam, coupled with youth migrating to cities in search of better opportunities, has further exacerbated the issue. The majority still rely on traditional sources of livelihood including livestock, small-scale cultivation, and wage labour. [3] However, owing to growing tourism, the Kalasha have transitioned toward a cash-based economy and established local shops, restaurants and hotels. [2]

A local store in Bumburet Valley. Credit: Waleed Ahmad

Most infrastructure is still basic. Lack of energy access has promoted traditional wood burning, kerosene oil, lanterns, and candles across the Kalasha Valleys. [2] For decades, the locals have used firewood and kerosene stoves to cook food, leading to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and pneumonia. [4]

A Kalasha home in Bumburet Valley. Credit: Waleed Ahmad

Environmental degradation and glacial flooding

Forest products provide a major source of income for inhabitants of the valley. Wood, pine nuts, chilgoza, fruits, and medicinal plants are traded for much-needed income. [3] Moreover, the Kalasha see the forest as vital to their cultural survival and have fought to protect their rights to the land. For instance, from the 1980’s into the early 1990’s the Kalasha of the Rumbur Valley were involved in a 10-year court case to protect the forest for future generations. [5] A local who spearheaded the case stated that, “if we can turn the valleys into a reserve for future people, then the Kalash will survive for another 1,000 years”. [6]

Nature continues to be central to the Kalasha’s spiritual beliefs and plays an important role in their daily lives. [6] Deforestation for timber and fuelwood not only disrupts the health of the watershed but triggers climate induced disasters such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). Floods and erratic monsoon patterns lead to major destruction of crops and infrastructure, disruption in energy supply and loss of livelihoods. [7]

Kalasha harvest festival hats. Credit: Martin Jung

Bumburet River and autumn colors shine across the valley. Credit: Hassan Ali

Of the 3,044 glacial lakes in northern Pakistan, 33 are considered to be at high risk of bursting. [8] There have been GLOF events happening every year now, but the havoc wreaked by the floods of 2011 and 2015 remains unparalleled. Houses, bridges, orchards, hotels, water channels, shops, farms and roads were either completely or partially destroyed. [7] Recalling the loss and damage borne by the community, Shaheen Gul, a young Kalasha woman states “Our fields with corn and beans that were ready for harvest and fruit trees like walnuts and apricots are gone as they were near the nullah[stream]”. [7] A local farmer, Hussain claims, “Our culture was already under threat, and now these floods have destroyed our crops and orchards. We will have to buy food from the bazaar and store it if we are to survive this winter”. [7]

A broken bridge destroyed in glacial floodwater. Credit: Rina Saeed Khan

The civil works of the micro hydro system, water pipelines and the various irrigation channels of Rumbur, Gambak, and Brone villages were partially destroyed. [7] Moreover, the floods also destroyed the only primary school in the valley and the children were forced to study under an ad-hoc open roof environment for a long time. [7] The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) motel was in ruins too, as the gushing streams turned into a surging river, destroying the wooden chalets and the garden of the motel. [7]

Glacial floods have changed entire landscapes, posing serious risks around soil erosion, species migration and food insecurity. A local resident attributes the origin of these floods to melting glaciers in the region, explaining, “There are around four glaciers high up above in these mountains overlooking the valley. Glacial floods came down along with rainwater, carrying large boulders and we even saw large chunks of black ice”. [7] However, a disaster risk reduction expert from Chitral felt that torrential rainfall was the main cause of the flooding. [7] Similarly, a climate change expert attributed the cause of floods to El Nino (periodic warming of the ocean), which leads to erratic monsoon rainfalls, accelerates snow melt and subsequently triggers glacial lakes. [7] A local blamed deforestation and attributed the intensity of these floods to climate change. He explained, “It was still warm by the end of September this year, while the summers would usually end in August.” [7]

Hydro mini-grids: A solution for climate resilience and energy access

Building climate resilience and ensuring sustainable development requires retaining biodiversity and investment in nature-based solutions. Hydro mini-grids are a nature-based solution because their functionality depends on healthy forests. Thriving forests result in resilient catchment areas that provide maximum flow and erosion protection to the hydro mini-grid.

An aerial shot of Rumbur Valley. Credit: M. Ansari

Sarujalik, a village amidst the Bumburet valley in Ayun local council, had always remained deprived of basic facilities. Having no access to main-grid electricity, the communities were using diesel generators, along with a rudimentary MHP which didn't meet the electricity demand. Moreover, being the hub of seasonal festivals, the village faced energy shortages throughout the year. [10]

Local households during a power breakdown. Credit: Shah Tahsin Anwar

The situation led to local communities approaching a reputed NGO called the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) for support in developing a community-owned mini-hydro system. In 2011, SRSP designed and constructed a separate 200kW mini hydro system to be operated by the Sarujalik community in partnership with SRSP. With the financial support of EU, the system was later upgraded in 2013-14, with improved and more efficient mechanical equipment, civil works and extension of transmission lines. The system uses two locally manufactured cross flow T-15 turbines and the total system cost was PKR 12.84 million.

Sarujalik Mini Hydro. Credit: SRSP

The 200 kW Sarujalik Mini Hydro system. Credit: SRSP

A healthy and connected community

The Sarujalik mini hydropower system has 592 domestic and 111 commercial connections, providing electricity to almost 6,000 individuals across the valley. [10] Previously, the lack of reliable electricity services deprived the Kalasha of basic facilities, with negative impacts on their health and education. [1] The communities that were earlier using candles are now using telephones, refrigerators, and Internet facilities. [2] The local general stores are stocking their supplies in refrigerators, while uninterrupted electricity supply has enabled local businesses, such as welding and tailoring shops, to operate more optimally. [3]

Kalasha festival dance. Credit: Kamal Zain

Local vendors operate through the evening using MHP electricity. Credit: SRSP

Kalasha women greet each other. Credit: Tahsin Shah

Apart from monetary benefits, Kalasha are now enjoying a relatively healthier life. As some vaccines are temperature-sensitive and require cold storage, refrigerators have made it possible to vaccinate the population, and ensure a healthier and happier community. [1] Communication has also improved, as people are able to charge their phones at home and stay connected with their families, as well as access information and news from across the world.

A Kalasha woman able to communicate via phone thanks to electricity access. Credit: SRSP

Education in a remote valley

In these times of a global pandemic, community-scale hydropower has not only enabled online-distance learning, but has paved the way for a more informed community in one of the most isolated regions on Earth. Previously, teachers had difficulty conducting classes due to insufficient electricity in the school. Now, with improved energy access, there is evidence of more effective knowledge transmission and learning amongst students. [9] According to a schoolteacher, “students access new knowledge on the Internet and not only they become more informed, but they also share that information with us, and we learn from them too”. [9]

Kalasha children. Credit: Tahsin Shah

The community-led hydropower has enabled schools to initiate an online enrollment system, allowing students to register for various national examinations. [9] Students are now able to access international research publications and supplement their existing knowledge with scientific and evidence-based research. [9]

Access to clean energy has also lowered the rate of rural migration to cities. A local woman feels “people used to leave the village as their studies suffered without electricity. When all their needs are met at home, why would they leave?”. [11]

Mini hydropower and Kalasha women

Community-scale hydro has been a blessing for the women across the valley. Traditional wood-burning stoves have been replaced by more efficient electric cookstoves, and other electric appliances have reduced drudgery from laborious housework. [1]

Kalasha women amidst the Hindukush mountains. Credit: Tahsin Shah

MHP-powered washing machine. Credit: SRSP

Earlier, women were mostly occupied with housekeeping, e.g. washing and cooking, but now invest their skills and energy in various productive end uses, such as operating their own shops and designing traditional items for sale to tourists. [1] According to the CEO of SRSP, Mr. Shahzada ul Mulk, “When we brought light to one village, one old lady said to me, ‘Son, you have just added 15 years to my life’”. [11]

Community-driven sustainability

SRSP’s bottom-up and community-driven rural development approach has helped the community build community-owned social enterprises, resulting in reliable income generation for the Kalasha. SRSP has ensured active community decision-making at all stages of MHP projects, from identifying potential sites and developing community structures, to keeping the system operational and participating in the cost-benefit sharing of the system. For long-term access to clean and green energy, committees have been set up to evaluate and provide connections to households, collect fees and ensure periodic maintenance of units. [10]

SRSP has implemented 353 community-scale hydropower systems with a total installed capacity of over 29 MW, providing electricity to an estimated 900,000 individuals mostly in off-grid mountainous regions. [10] The founder of SRSP Mr. Masood ul Mulk says, “We do not see ourselves as energy generators but as an organization that gives hope to people who have been devastated by conflict and floods. Electricity is a way to harmonize and bring communities together. Providing light is just the beginning of the process of building up communities.” [11] Learn more about SRSP’s award-winning work in this video.

Ayun MHP construction. Credit: SRSP

As the global pandemic persists and we enter the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, climate-resilient and nature-based solutions become imperative. The role of community-scale hydropower in enabling clean energy access, uplifting livelihoods, and ultimately building resilience is vital in the context of the global climate crisis. We can learn from and be inspired by the resilience of indigenous local communities such as the Kalasha, and strive towards a more equitable and a sustainable future.

Kalasha girls looking out of their traditional home. Credit: Tahsin Shah

References:
[1] http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/zh/960841551256802132/pdf/Indigenous-Peoples-Planning-Framework.pdf
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4570283/pdf/main.pdf
[3] http://kp.gov.pk/uploads/2019/04/IPPF_Pub_Disclosure3.pdf
[4] h ttps://cmjournal.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s13020-018-0204-y.pdf
[5] http://www.icwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CVR-27.pdf
[6] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/picture_gallery/05/south_asia_kalash_spring_festival/html/3.stm
[7] https://climate.earthjournalism.net/2015/12/03/kalash-valleys-struggle-to-survive-post-floods.html
[8] https://www.pk.undp.org/content/pakistan/en/home/projects/Glof-II.html
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDFCdius3KQ&feature=emb_logo
[10] http://www1.srsp.org.pk/site/alternate-energy-new/
[11] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jun/12/pakistan-electricity-village-micro-hydro-ashden-award

Developed by Hashim Zaman, Environmental Economist
Content support from Atif Zeeshan Rauf, Sarad Rural Support Programme
Editing support from the HPNET Secretariat

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MADAGASCAR: MICRO AND MINI HYDRO INITIATIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION DES INGÉNIEURS POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT DES ENERGIES RENOUVELABLES (AIDER)

12/21/2020

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The electrification rate in Madagascar remains very low, averaging 15 percent nationally, 8.1 percent in rural areas and 60.7 percent in urban areas. While biomass, diesel, and fossil fuels dominate the energy mix across the country, there exists a great potential for small-scale hydro systems. Only 1.9 percent of Madagascar’s hydropower potential has been utilized, and yet hydropower generates approximately 68 percent of the electricity in the country. Its economy depends on tourism and the cultivation of paddy, coffee, vanilla, and cloves, which could be further enhanced through increased energy access.

Small-scale hydropower also presents great potential for ecosystem restoration in Madagascar. Healthy watersheds are critical to sustainable community-based hydropower, as mature forest cover ensures consistent stream-flow, mitigates erosion, and builds resilience against the impacts of climate change. As such, hydro mini-grids are a nature-based solution that promotes watershed strengthening. Investment in nature-based solutions like small-scale hydro can play a critical role in building climate resilience and safeguarding biodiversity in Madagascar, where more than 90% of original forests have been lost.

One of the leading small-scale hydro implementation organizations in Madagascar is the Association des Ingénieurs pour le Développement des Energies Renouvelables (AIDER). Read on to learn about AIDER’s efforts to advance small-scale hydro in Madagascar.

Established in 2008, AIDER is an association of about 20 multidisciplinary engineers working in the field of renewable energy in Madagascar. AIDER works on studies, design and implementation of hydroelectric and solar power plants. AIDER works in partnership with the Agency for the Development of Rural Electrification (ADER), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Tany Meva Foundation, the Institute for Energy Management (IME) at the University of Antananarivo, the Higher Institute of Technology of Antananarivo (IST), the Group for Research and Technological Exchange (GRET) and the Albert Schweitzer Ecological Centre (CEAS).

Two 7.5 kW micro hydro systems in Andriantsemboka. Credit: AIDER

Switchboard for one of two 50 kW MHPs in Sarobaratra. Credit: AIDER

Mini hydro in Amboasary – Anjozorobe. Credit: AIDER

Locally-developed micro hydropower

AIDER has built eight MHPs, ranging from 7.5 kW to 100 kW, electrifying a total of about 450 households in rural municipalities of the Analamanga and Atsimo Andrefana regions. Five of the projects are owned and operated by AIDER. All of the systems use turbines that have been locally manufactured by AIDER, thereby having generated local employment. In addition to providing reliable electricity to households, the MHPs power town halls, police stations, clinics, churches, schools, and street lighting.

Partnership for feasibility and design studies

Since 2009 AIDER has carried out approximately 30 studies for micro hydropower projects (MHPs), including hydrological studies. In 2018 AIDER began collaboration with the Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development (Skat). On behalf of GIZ’s Renewable Energy Electrification Project (PERER) in Madagascar, Skat partnered with AIDER to conduct the following.

Feasibility of study of the Amabatotoa site, where the options of a 100 kW off-grid project, 2.3 MW grid-connected project, and 6 MW grid-connected reservoir project in the Upper Matsiatra Region

Feasibility study of the Ivato off-grid site of 100 kW in the Amoron'i Mania Region

Detailed study of the off-grid Sahandaso Mini Hydro Project of 240 kW in the Atsinanana Region, including developing the MV line plans, single line diagrams, design calculations and cost estimates

AIDER carried out hydrological analyses, topographical surveys, installation and operation of the gauging stations, installation of pressure probes, and recording tables with iridium antenna for auto data transmission. It also conducted flow measurements and analysis using the propeller method, conductivity meters, and an acoustic doppler current profiler (ADCP).

Topographical survey of cross section. Credit: AIDER

Gauging station at Sahandaso with automatic data transmission. Credit: AIDER

Hydrological station at the Ambatotoa site. Credit: AIDER

Hydrological station at the Ivato site. Credit: AIDER

Flow measurement using the propeller method. Credit: AIDER

Flow measurement with conductivity meter at the Sahandaso site. Credit: AIDER

Mini hydropower for local industry and agri processing

AIDER and SKAT are currently collaborating with CEAS and UNDO to develop a detailed design study for the development of the Andriambe mini hydro project, having a potential of 225 kW and located on the Nanangainana River in Mandialaza.

The project aim is to provide clean and affordable electricity to three villages, in terms of household needs, critical social infrastructure, and productive end uses, such as carpentry workshops, feed mills, metal workshops and food processing.

Ginger processing presents a particularly promising opportunity to generate income in the villages. Ginger is currently sold as a raw product to passing traders at a very low price. Affordable electricity will enable the production of a higher-value product.

Harvested ginger sold raw. Credit: AIDER

Carpentry workshop. Credit: AIDER

The site’s catchment area is almost completely located within the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park. Although part of it is partly deforested for agriculture use, forest conservation will lead to a healthy watershed that is vital for the sustainability of the MHP. Further, the project will incorporate corresponding awareness-raising activities on appropriate management methods for local communities residing in the catchment area.

The densely forested catchment area. Credit: AIDER

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"HIDDEN NO MORE": AN INTERVIEW WITH A MINI HYDRO SHAREHOLDER, HASANA FATIMI

12/10/2020

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Our Hidden No More series features women micro hydro practitioners who have transformed gender barriers to generate energy access for marginalized communities. While our past interviews focused on women who facilitated micro hydro as members of the implementing organization, in this edition we have the rare opportunity to feature a woman leader from within the community, Ms. Hasana Fatimi.

Hasana is a local hero amidst the most isolated and remote valley of Chitral, Pakistan. Her journey is embedded in the thriving community-based and women share-holding models that have transformed micro and mini hydropower (MH) development across the most inaccessible, yet the most beautiful valleys across Pakistan. This approach to MH has been developed by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) as a part of its community-owned utilities initiative.

Special thanks goes out to our Board member Meherban Khan, AKRSP's Coordinator for Utility Companies, for helping to make this interview possible.

Hasana Fatimi. Credit: H.Fatimi

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am Hasana Fatimi. I belong to a small village of 200 households called Bang, located in Yarkhun Valley, of Upper Chitral District in Pakistan. I am one of the few women in this valley and the only female in my family with a master’s degree.

Currently, I work as a sales officer in the Yadgar Utility Public Limited Company, our community-owned utility that supplies electricity to 1200 households (in 24 villages, including Bang) using electricity generated from a 800kW mini hydro system. I’ve been working here for the last three years.

How did your education, i.e. master’s degree, help you in your professional life?

We belong to a very isolated area in the northern part of ChitraI. I enrolled in Abdul Wali Khan University in Chitral for the master’s program and graduated in 2017. My village and the university were 150 km apart, connected through a broken road, and hence I lived at my relatives place which was close to the university. The knowledge gained during my university life has helped me immensely in my professional career.

Bang village, Chitral. Credit: AKRSP

Bang village, Chitral. Credit: Google Earth

How do you identify yourself -- a women entrepreneur, a community leader, or an energy practitioner?

In this valley, women haven’t had a lot of opportunities to work and contribute to their household. After completing my education, I started my career as a teacher in a private school but that felt insufficient, as I wanted to do something for the women in this area. I then decided to be an entrepreneur, as I always wanted to be an inspiration for the women in my region. I wanted to show them that everything is possible, to dream big and to aspire for more meaningful things in life.

Hasana Fatimi working at the Yadgar Utility Company. Credit: H.Fatimi

How did mini hydropower arrive in Bang village, and how were women involved?

Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) has formed and mobilized village organizations that are led by both men and women. They are combined to form a cluster known as Community Organization (CO) of which all men and women of the village can become a member. The CO put in a request to AKRSP for a 800 kW mini hydro plant. Before that they had a 50 kW and 100 kW plant constructed by AKRSP, which were only used for lightning purposes and didn’t equip us in cooking or business ventures.

Yadgar Utility Company mini hydro powerhouse. Credit: AKRSP

On the basis of this resolution by village men and women, AKRSP started work on the design, site selection, feasibility, fund arrangement etc. The women were present in all meetings, dialogues and identification areas component. Women were involved in the construction phase, and were part of the supervisory and management committee of the cluster board. However, they didn’t take part in the design phase, as it is technical work and women are not educated enough to carry out that task.

How is AKRSP facilitating mini hydro efforts in Yarkhun valley?

AKRSP is a community-based development organization. It is focused on integrated rural development in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral (GBC) region of Northern Pakistan.The Water and Energy Security (WES), funded by Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by AKRSP, is the program that supports mini hydro development in this valley.

AKRSP, the implementing partner for our mini hydro project, had prior experience of establishing over 200 micro hydro plants and thousands of water development projects that were operated by local communities. The project was framed to transform the traditional community-based approach to manage small scale micro hydro, into modern utility companies. The project followed an ambitious, market-based financing plan, raising 20% equity, 50% donor funding (i.e. SDC), and 30% bank loan to be offset later from the carbon income [yet to materialize] and tariff collection.

Yadgar Utility Company site. Credit: AKRSP

AKRSP has a major role in the development of this area. It has worked in every important aspect of living and improved the living standard of the people in this valley. Basic needs like providing clean drinking water to electricity, health, education, agriculture development, roads, and every aspect of life have been improved due to the role of AKRSP.

AKRSP supported the construction, operational phase, and funding for our mini hydro project. They invested and made us shareholders for the sustainability of the project. Until the project becomes self-sustainable, AKRSP supports us with the maintenance and running costs of the plant.

Penstock and powerhouse of the Yadgar Utility Company's mini hydro system. Credit: AKRSP

They also provided technical support to our utility company, e.g. train operators and connect households to the company. They continue to assist in locating investors for the sustainable development of other mini hydro in the valley. So basically AKRSP is providing support to communities in terms of skills building and finance for the long-term sustainability of electricity in the valley.

How did the local community become involved in the mini hydro project?

We underwent the usual protocol of AKRSP, which consisted of dialogues, in which the communities established the need for electricity and the willingness to engage in a micro hydro project. The communities contributed in the construction, and eventually they became shareholders and now they are the owners in this venture. The project started around 2012, but due to financial constraints, it was delayed till 2015. It was a hybrid model of financing. Initially, it entailed a grant, followed by obtaining a loan, and ultimately it was sustained by investment from the community, who eventually became the shareholders in the project.

The money that is usually collected through community mobilization for the formation of a maintenance fund, was later on transformed into equity. The initial minimum contribution per household was fixed around PKR 6000 to contribute to maintenance funds. The minimum contributions were set by AKRSP at PKR 10 Million for the community as a maintenance fund or community contribution for the project, which is an equivalent of approximately 5% of the project cost. With the transformation of the unit into public limited companies, the initial investments/contribution of the community members were converted into shares and transferred to individual persons as share capital. The value of 1 share was set at PKR 100. Furthermore, the minimum investments were reduced to PKR 1500 for women, so that the women members of the community could also participate as shareholders/members of the company.

How many women are involved in this project and what is their background?

More than 400 women are shareholders in this mini hydro project. A small portion of the women are educated and most of them are housewives, but many of them have started their own businesses at household level. In this mini hydro project, we have obtained a loan and our sales are not high enough to meet the loan repayment, given the high operational and maintenance costs. But we are moving in the right direction and by 2023, we will hopefully repay the entire loan and then the company will receive profits, and we will receive shareholder dividends.

What was it like for the women in the area before the mini hydro project?

We had everything in terms of natural resources, but we didn't have electricity to ensure basic facilities and sustainable development in the valley. There were no diesel generators and everyone used kerosene lamps.

Women cooking using kerosene lamps. Credit: AKRSP

There was a rare case of a kerosene stove for cooking, but it was destroying the food quality due to the smell. Most of the locals in the valley were using firewood and cutting down the precious forests of the valley.
We would spend most of our time gathering fodder for the livestock, fetching fuelwood for heating purposes, and using indigenous techniques for threshing grains, which was very tough and time-consuming.

According to you, what has been the overall impact of the mini hydro project in Bang village?

Bang village consists of 200 households and the mini hydro plant is 7 km away from the households. Community-based hydro has been operational here since 1995 when AKRSP first constructed the 50 kW micro hydro system, but it only fulfilled the basic needs of lighting for the households across the valley. So there were various restrictions in place for using electric appliances such as rods, heaters, rice cookers, and ovens, which didn’t fulfill our basic needs.

After the completion of the 800 kW mini hydro project, the majority of households started using electric appliances for cooking meals, chapati, tea making and heating purposes. This has not only resulted in increased output and productivity, but has also helped us to focus on our children because it saves us time and energy.

Woman cooking using electric stove. Credit: AKRSP

Before the mini hydro, women in the area spent a major chunk of their day washing clothes and making butter manually, as households have a good number of livestock in the valley. Now use of the washing machine and butter churner will save us a lot of time, which are used for productive purposes. In addition, use of electricity for cooking will also save time, as cooking meals with fuel wood not only required more time but the smoke was hazardous for health too.

Woman working at a utility store in Bang village. Credit: AKRSP

New businesses are also propping up as a result of the additional electricity, which have improved the living standards in the valley. In fact, it has been amazing to see that women who didn’t have formal education, have also started opening up their own businesses, due to the availability of electricity in the area.

Moreover, people have started educating themselves at night, due to the availability of internet facilities. This wasn’t possible before, as there wasn’t enough electricity, but this is a huge change now, which will have a positive impact on the literacy rates and livelihoods of the valley.

A mother and a son studying at night using electricity from the mini hydro system. Credit: AKRSP

Before this mini hydro project, there were no hospitals or lab facilities in the valley. Thanks to the electricity now, we have hospitals that not only have maternity services available, but also have birthing centres to ensure safe and healthy child births in the valley. Moreover, we can see that the health of the locals, especially the women, has improved due to the hospital and the easy access to it now. The general diseases in the area have also reduced, and the eye problems in particular have reduced considerably.

The scope of this mini hydro project is very diverse and it has been a blessing for the people of this area. All in all, the scope and impacts of mini hydro are very positive and diverse, and it has had a life changing role for our society.

Tell us about your first encounter with the mini hydro project, and what are your daily responsibilities?

I participated in an interview for the position of a sales officer in the Yadgar Utility Company and was selected. When I started my job, I got the opportunity to interact with people in the mini hydro sector, and also with the community directly on a daily basis.
My daily routine involves selling prepaid electricity units and collecting cash in return. I look after the Vending Point System, where consumers come and top up their prepaid cards in return for electricity. Everyday I meet 7-8 women, who visit the Vending Point System and I guide them in starting their own micro-business.

Hasana Fatimi at the Vending Point System selling pre-paid electricity. Credit: H.Fatimi

I also link the customers to the training section of the utility company, which provides training in business management, bookkeeping, business planning etc. Moreover, I connect the locals who are seeking loans to set up their own businesses, with the most suitable institutions.

How does the Vending Point System work and how accessible are they?

The Bang village spans across an area of 16 kilometers and it is divided into four areas. Every person has to travel 1km to reach the Vending Point System.

A transaction at the Vending Point System. Credit: AKRSP

We have four Vending Points Systems, in which 5-6 villages are connected to each other. There are only two Vending Point System managers in the entire valley of 1200 households. Out of these four Vending Point Systems, two are managed by women, and two are closed. This is very inspirational for women in the valley, as it indicates that women are not only able to operate this technology, but are entrusted with this very crucial component of the mini hydro system. The Vending Point System means that there is a prepaid system in place, where each person has a card. The locals come to the Vending Point System and tops up their cards with kW units, by paying cash and loading the kW into their respective electricity meters.

What kind of impact do you see from your role of advising the enterprise for women?

Earning money and contributing to the household makes the women independent. My guidance and support to the women in my valley has helped them start their own household businesses and they are now able to contribute to their household finances. They now have a chance to highlight their local products in the national and international markets too. This includes learning skills, such as the sewing machine and embroidery, that results in beautiful clothes for the women.

A woman ironing clothes using electricity from the community mini hydro system, while her child looks outside. Credit: AKRSP

Women are also now more aware and preserve their excess food, such as milk and chicken, in the refrigerators due to the availability of electricity. This includes apricot, pear, cherry, peach, apple and other fruits. The fruits are then further made into various jams using the electricity, mainly in the months of september and october, when the fresh fruits are available. The jams are used in the household, and also sold in the nearby households across the valley. In order for these jams to be sold in the market, we need machinery and a sustainable business model, with proper training in packaging and marketing. That would lead to an increased income generation and improved livelihoods across our valley.

Was there difficulty at the start to convince the women to do business?

Initially, it was a challenge to mobilize them. They were afraid to start their own businesses, as they were afraid of failing and losing their hard earned money. This idea was and is still being complemented by the men, who blame them for failing and hence, they’re a little hesitant now.

AKRSP is providing these women with soft loans now, and this is a great incentive for women to take risks now. This has led to women giving back to their household and has earned them great respect in the community now.

Hasana, did you yourself face any challenges because you're a woman, at any time during university, or education, or during your project?

Being a woman, I had to face the patriarchal attitudes of the people in the valley. I also need to account for the societal pressures and geographical limitations that are imposed on women. Moreover, it was a great challenge to fund my university education and then finding a job after graduating, was another uphill battle that I fought. I now have to keep a fine balance between my job and the household chores.

Furthermore, it was not easy to equip the local community. I mobilized the women and explained to them the dynamics of the area. During my professional life, people would sometimes come in the evening and ask to charge their card, and this is not easy for women to manage. Men would come to the Vending Point Systems after 6 o'clock to top up their cards, and in some instances, I’ve had to go to the point after office hours, and top up their cards.

Do you see both young and old women interested to start their own businesses?

Educated women are more focused on their education, and are trying to get out of the valley in search of better opportunities. Other women who are enrolled in post-graduate degrees, are starting their own businesses too. However, unmarried women are preferring jobs as they have to shift to other areas after getting married, and hence might not be able to work then. This is because they know that after getting married, they might have to relocate to possibly even more remote areas or go into more conservative families - where they might not find a job or be able to work respectively. In this area, we have 10-15 businesses that have been started by women, out of which, 10 have been started by older women.

If the women weren’t involved in this mini hydro project, what do you think would have been the outcome?

Without the women, the result will only be 30% of what we have now. The demand for electricity by women is very high, as they’re using electrical appliances at home. Most importantly, we’re now shareholders in the project, and are a major part of the decision making process. They're part of the discourse now, are negotiating their demands and are discussing important issues such as prices and tariff-designs. They're debating on the frontline now, and this is very encouraging for the women community across our valley.

What impact has the mini hydro project have on you/how has your knowledge and experience developed?

Dealing with a diverse group of people has definitely broadened my view of the world. Moreover, supporting conflict resolution in the community has enhanced my skills greatly. In the beginning, I was a little hesitant to engage with the community, but I adjusted eventually. Now I’m extremely motivated to spread awareness and solve the issues of the community.

What other programs can support women? What kind of solution do you think can help?

Equitable business opportunities, vocational training, and household level decision making are extremely vital in the upliftment of the women in our society. If the women in my valley become more financially independent, then they’ll be able to exercise greater power in the household decision making.

Vending Point System operator. Credit: AKRSP

What is your hope to improve women's lives in your community?

Financial support by the NGOs and the government, women empowerment, vocational training and motivating women to start their own businesses will be extremely essential to uplift the women in our valley. We need to attract them to entrepreneurship, and help them learn the necessary skills to promote their local products and culture to the world.

Yarkhun Valley in Chitral, Pakistan. Credit: Google Earth

For more insights on AKRSP's work, be sure to check out our program case study Evolution to Inclusive Social Enterprise.

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WHY HYDRO MINI-GRIDS: TECHNOLOGY DIFFERENTIATION EXPLAINED

12/9/2020

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Mini-grids are an important component in the renewable energy mix. They have been considered to be a sustainable and cost-effective solution for providing reliable energy access to various communities across the planet. Mini-grids have become increasingly popular in the recent years due to:

the enormous cost of grid extension in rural areas
the limitations of household systems (e.g. solar home systems).

Within the mini-grid spectrum, it is pertinent to note that there exist various mini-grid technologies, i.e. solar, wind, biogas, diesel and hydro mini-grids, being implemented for energy access. In fact the nature of mini-grid development is such that systems must be customized to meet each community’s energy demand, resource availability, and governance structures. So while mini-grid development partners tend to be technology agnostic, it is also extremely crucial to differentiate between technologies, as each has its own strengths, challenges, investment costs, price of energy, and operational management models.

To assist in technology differentiation, the Hydro Empowerment Network (HPNET) in partnership with Swiss Resource Centre and Consultancies for Development (SKAT) have developed the Mini-Grid Technology Differentiation Table. The tool was originally released in HPNET’s 2017 Mini-Grid Webinar Series and recently updated to ensure a detailed overview of the various mini-grid technologies.

Technology Differentiation Table developed by SKAT and HPNET. (Click on image to access full table).

Mini-Grid Technology Differentiation

The table differentiates mini-grid technologies based on system design, advantages, limitations, productive end use, resource assessment, spare part availability and investment costs of all the mini-grid technologies. Key insights include:

Range of investment, which refers to the monetary investment required for generation and distribution, is the lowest for diesel and hydro mini-grids, while solar-battery, biomass gasifier and wind battery-based systems can go up to even USD 13,000/kW, compared to as low as USD 300/kW and USD 500/kW for diesel and hydro mini-grids respectively. However, despite the low investment costs, diesel has high operational and environmental costs in the long run.

The operations and maintenance (O&M) costs (with assumptions) is on average 10% roughly for all technologies, except hydro mini-grids which incur only 2-5% of investment.

The percentage of local contribution is only 5% in solar-battery and diesel mini-grids, while it is around 60%, 70% and 95% for wind, hydro, and biomass mini-grids, respectively. Higher local contribution means increased local job creation.

Each technology has its own advantages. For instance, hydro mini-grids have low cost per kW; abundant sun in most places means solar is versatile; easy storage biomass resource allows optimum efficiency for gasifiers; and local manufacturing leading to lower O&M costs for wind and hydro can be beneficial.

There are certain limitations associated with each technology. Accessing funds for high initial investment is an issue for both hydro and solar mini-grids, while pre-mature technology is a hindrance facing the biomass gasifier. Batteries in wind systems face high temporal variability and high maintenance costs, while diesel has negative environmental impacts due to carbon emissions.

Providing electricity for productive end use, such as agri-processing, irrigation purposes, and various mills/local industry, generates optimal impact and sustainability of mini-grids. Mini-grids that are not dependent on batteries -- such as hydro and biomass mini-grids -- are ideal for powering motorized loads.

Advantages of Hydro Mini-Grids

Micro hydro images from HPNET members.

Although there are certain challenges associated with hydro mini systems, including relatively longer resource assessment and installation periods, hydro mini-grids have the following advantages:

Hydro mini-grids typically produce 3-4 times as much kWh per kW installed. Moreover, hydro mini-grids generate electricity 24 hours, compared to solar and wind that are limited to 6-12 hours on average, depending on the availability and fluctuation of wind (average of 8 hours/day).

Local manufacturing brings down the cost of hydro mini-grids and increases employment. Hydro mini-grids are especially apt for local manufacturing, since most components can be developed in a local metalworks fabrication facility.

Although hydro mini-grids have a large range of investment costs (USD 500 - USD 10,000/kW) based on accessibility and the local terrain, most easy-to-access systems have low investment and generation costs.

Low cost of energy enables greater productive end uses, and higher revenue from productive loads means lower cost energy for everyone.

A micro hydro plant in Nepal. Credit: Sunir Pandey

Hydro mini-grids create opportunities for dynamic tariff structures to increase sale of electricity during off-peak hours. For example, a bakery or induction casting facility can be motivated to utilize electricity during off peak hours with reduced tariff.

Community micro hydro builds up of local social capital. Hydro mini-grids transform the traditional models of energy of social assets into social enterprise. This means that they improve the social and environmental well-being of the communities, maximize social impact, and generate profits for co-owners.

Hydro mini-grids are especially conducive for grid interconnection, reducing voltage drops in the main grid and generating income for the MHP community. Moreover, the revenue from the project can multiply in the case of later grid interconnection.

A micro hydro village in Northern Pakistan. Credit: Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP)

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PROJECT UPDATE: UPSCALING LOCALLY MANUFACTURED TURGO TURBINE

12/3/2020

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Last quarter HPNET Board of Representatives member Biraj Gautam described our project, shared about the development of a Turgo turbine design, appropriate for local manufacturing in Nepal.

While common in larger scale hydropower and with some off-the-shelf products available, the Turgo turbine is not currently manufactured by micro-hydropower companies in Nepal. As a medium head turbine, the Turgo offers a viable option for sites where the characteristics make the choice between Pelton and Cross-flow turbines difficult.

This article developed by Joe Butchers, PhD candidate at the University of Bristol, provides an update on our progress in the project so far.

Fakfok MHP in Ilam, Nepal. An example of a medium head MHP, which could be appropriate for the Turgo turbine. Credit: Sam Williamson

Project Objectives

An objective of the project was to install a micro-hydropower Turgo turbine at a pilot site. Currently, we have manufactured a 1.5kW Turgo turbine but it is important to check the performance of the turbine for higher rated powers. The experimental results from the 1.5kW turbine have allowed us to develop a hydrodynamic scaling model. This numerical model can be used to check whether a site has appropriate head and flow rate, and then determine the best pitch circle diameter and rotational speed for the turbine.

After identifying a number of viable sites, we selected a site in Taplejung district where the existing turbine requires replacement after many years in service. For this site, our scaling model was used to show that the Turgo turbine is appropriate and can be used to directly drive a generator. Whilst similar to Pelton turbines, the higher specific speed of the Turgo means that direct drive transmission is feasible at much lower heads.

The different flow passages for the Pelton and Turgo turbines. Reference: P.N. Wilson, A high-speed impulse turbine, Water Power (1967)

Site Visit

Unfortunately, the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has prevented PEEDA staff from visiting the field site. A feasibility study is required to find out the technical and socio-economic features of the site and the community. Technically, we need to evaluate the current status of the civil structures and installed equipment. In addition, we require measurements of the powerhouse layout so that the new turbine can interface with existing components. From a socio-economic perspective, we want to understand how the plant is managed, whether the plant generates sufficient income, and assess the opportunity to maximise the plant’s capacity factor. It is important that we ensure that the plant is sustainable in delivering electricity to the community. We continue to monitor the coronavirus situation and hope to be able to visit the site when it is safe to do so.

3D CAD Design

Using the head and flow rate from the site and our scaling model, it has been possible to begin the detailed design of the Turgo turbine. The long-term intention is to develop a range of Turgo turbine designs appropriate for sites across the micro-hydropower range. We have been developing calculation sheets for all of the key components which allow dimensions to be determined. We have developed a parametric 3D CAD model that is linked to the calculation sheets. This allows us to quickly adapt the design depending on inputs into the calculation sheet. The 3D design is taking place collaboratively between the Electrical Energy Management Group at the University of Bristol and Nepal Yantra Shala Energy. The design objective is to produce a design that can be readily manufactured in Nepal with existing machinery and readily available materials. It is expected that detailed design will be completed soon allowing the production of engineering drawings to begin. Initially, the focus is on developing a complete design package for the site in Taplejung. This will include 2D engineering drawings, bill of materials, and supporting 3D CAD files allowing the design to be manufactured in Nepal. Subsequently, we will use the parametric 3D model to generate multiple design packages for the complete operational range.

Design of the Turgo runner in CAD software. Credit: Joe Butchers

March 2021 Workshop

Depending on coronavirus, we plan to hold a workshop in Nepal in late March 2021. The workshop will teach participants about the design packages, key stages in the manufacturing process, how to assemble and install the turbine, and about the operation and maintenance procedures. The workshop is intended for representatives of Nepali manufacturing companies but there may be several places available for international participants. In the longer term, we plan to make the completed design packages and the supporting materials available open-source online. We are hopeful that for local manufacturers across the Hydro Empowerment Network, we will be able to provide a design that increases their range of available turbine designs.

This article was written by Joe Butchers, PhD candidate at the University of Bristol. The project is titled Upscaling locally manufactured Turgo Turbine: Dissemination and Demonstration includes the Electrical Energy Management Group at the University of Bristol, PEEDA, Nepal Yantra Shala Energy, Turbine Testing Laboratory at Kathmandu University and HPNET as project partners, and is funded by Energize Nepal. The work undertaken by the University of Bristol is also funded through an EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account titled Development of an open-source Turgo turbine design tool.

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the flow

SEEED: PRODUCTIVE END USE AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

ETHIOPIA: REVIVING AND OPTIMIZING HYDRO MINI-GRIDS

EARTH VOICES: FROM KALASH, PAKISTAN

MADAGASCAR: MICRO AND MINI HYDRO INITIATIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION DES INGÉNIEURS POUR LE DÉVELOPPEMENT DES ENERGIES RENOUVELABLES (AIDER)

"HIDDEN NO MORE": AN INTERVIEW WITH A MINI HYDRO SHAREHOLDER, HASANA FATIMI

WHY HYDRO MINI-GRIDS: TECHNOLOGY DIFFERENTIATION EXPLAINED

PROJECT UPDATE: UPSCALING LOCALLY MANUFACTURED TURGO TURBINE

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