Investors eye development of small hydropower systems in RP

A group of German, European and Filipino investors is planning to explore the possibility of developing pico-hydroelectric power technology in the country, an industry official said.

Renewable Energy Association of the Philippines (REAP) president Oly Serafica told reporters that his group will meet with the Northelbian Centre for World Mission and Church World Service (NMZ) of Hamburg, Germany and IT Power Ltd. of Bristol, England to discuss the technology next month.

“Electric power is a basic need of every modern household. However, there are still many households in remote communities which may not have access to such reliable and economically-feasible electric power,” Serafica said.

Talks, he said, would be focused mainly on “gold standard project for voluntary emission reductions” which aims to bring much-needed affordable electric power to non-electrified communities through pico-hydro technology. 

For the first installations, REAP will select an initial 150 sites situated in the Cordilleras, Bicol, Panay and Negros, and possibly Palawan, Mindanao and Eastern Visayas. 

The project aims to install about 4,400 pico-hydro systems within seven years.  Future replacement of worn-out units plus additional installations will keep the project going.

He said this project will enhance the future development of villages and at the same time bring business opportunities to the local folks.

Specifically, the pico-hydro project will harness the energy potential of small streams/waterfalls and irrigation canals to generate clean, affordable electricity (200 to 1,000 watts) for remote and un-electrified rural communities where such water resources are available through the use of small “low-head (1.5 meters)” pico-hydro systems.

The project expects to displace other fossil fuel options to provide such off-grid energy service and thus reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

With the generated electric power, the project aims to contribute sustainable development in these rural villages through small livelihood opportunities, improved lighting for household/community work and school assignments, information/entertainment by radio and TV, and communication access.

He said the pico-hydro unit is a simple machine: it is easy to install, operate and maintain.  With the water canal, channel, draft tube and wiring in place, it takes less than 30 minutes to install and commission the unit.  The smallest unit generates 200 watts at 220 volts for which lamps and other electric devices are easily available.

The turbine used in this technology is imported from Vietnam while the accessories are fabricated locally.  In-country manufacture of the pico turbine is planned as a mid-term goal. 

Serafica said maintenance is easy and simple without the need for special tools. The two bearings are lubricated every three months and the lower bearing seal replaced every six months of continuous use.

The unit has an expected life of four to five years which can be extended with regular maintenance and use of high-quality bearings.

The pico-hydro systems can be operated and managed by the village association/cooperative or individual owners.