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Small-Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification

Detailed overview of innovation with sample startups and prominent university research


What it is

Small-scale hydropower for rural electrification involves utilizing small hydropower systems, typically with a capacity of less than 10 MW, to provide electricity to rural communities and remote areas that lack access to the main electricity grid. This technology offers a sustainable and reliable energy solution, promoting economic development and improving the quality of life in underserved regions.

Impact on climate action

Small-Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification under the Hydropower theme empowers climate action by providing clean energy access to remote areas. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable hydropower, this innovation reduces emissions, improves energy security, and fosters sustainable development, contributing to global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote resilience.

Underlying
Technology

  • Run-of-the-River Hydropower: This technology harnesses the natural flow of rivers or streams to generate electricity without the need for large dams or reservoirs.
  • Micro-Hydropower Systems: Micro-hydropower systems are even smaller-scale hydropower plants, typically with a capacity of less than 100 kW, that can be used to power individual homes, villages, or small businesses.
  • Pico-Hydropower Systems: Pico-hydropower systems are the smallest scale of hydropower, with a capacity of less than 5 kW, and are often used for individual households or small community applications.
  • Hydropower Turbines: Various types of turbines are used in small-scale hydropower systems, depending on the head (vertical drop) and flow rate of the water source. Common types include Pelton, Turgo, cross-flow, Kaplan, and propeller turbines.
  • Community-Based Development: Small-scale hydropower projects for rural electrification often involve community participation and ownership, empowering local communities to manage and benefit from their own energy resources.

TRL : 7-8


Prominent Innovation themes

  • Modular and Prefabricated Systems: Modular and prefabricated hydropower systems are being developed to reduce installation time and costs, making them more accessible for remote communities and developing countries.
  • Low-Head Turbine Designs: Innovations in turbine design are improving the efficiency and performance of small-scale hydropower systems in low-head applications, expanding the potential for hydropower development in areas with limited water resources.
  • Fish-Friendly Turbine Designs: Turbine designs that minimize fish mortality are being developed to reduce the environmental impact of small-scale hydropower systems and protect aquatic ecosystems.
  • Hybrid Hydropower Systems: Combining small-scale hydropower with other renewable energy sources, such as solar PV or wind power, can create hybrid systems that offer increased energy generation consistency and improved reliability.
  • Remote Monitoring and Control: Digital technologies are being used to remotely monitor and control small-scale hydropower systems, improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Other Innovation Subthemes

  • Integration with Existing Infrastructure
  • Off-Grid Solutions
  • Technological Adaptation for Local Conditions
  • Capacity Building and Training Programs
  • Disaster Resilience and Emergency Preparedness
  • Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks
  • Cultural Preservation and Heritage Conservation

Related Innovations

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Sample Global Startups and Companies

  • Emrgy:
    • Technology Enhancement: Emrgy specializes in distributed hydropower systems designed for small-scale applications, including rural electrification projects. Their innovative hydrokinetic turbines harness the power of flowing water in rivers, canals, and irrigation channels to generate electricity. Emrgy’s modular turbine units are compact, lightweight, and scalable, making them well-suited for off-grid and remote areas lacking access to conventional grid infrastructure.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Emrgy stands out for its focus on decentralized hydropower solutions tailored for rural electrification and community empowerment. Their plug-and-play turbine systems require minimal civil works and environmental impact, enabling rapid deployment and local ownership of renewable energy assets. Emrgy’s approach aligns with sustainable development goals and facilitates inclusive growth in underserved regions.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Emrgy serves communities, municipalities, and rural development organizations seeking reliable and affordable electricity solutions. Their small-scale hydropower systems are deployed in off-grid villages, agricultural areas, and remote settlements, providing clean energy access, economic opportunities, and resilience against energy poverty.
  • Turbulent:
    • Technology Enhancement: Turbulent specializes in compact and efficient hydropower solutions suitable for small-scale applications, including rural electrification initiatives. Their vortex turbine technology utilizes the natural flow of water in streams and rivers to generate electricity without the need for large dams or reservoirs. Turbulent’s modular turbine units are designed for easy installation and operation in remote and challenging environments.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Turbulent stands out for its innovative approach to harnessing hydropower in small rivers and streams, offering a decentralized and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional hydropower systems. Their vortex turbines minimize environmental impact and ecosystem disruption while providing reliable and sustainable electricity generation for rural communities.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Turbulent serves rural communities, agricultural cooperatives, and eco-tourism projects seeking renewable energy solutions. Their small-scale hydropower systems are deployed in off-grid areas, mountainous regions, and water-abundant locations, empowering local stakeholders and fostering socio-economic development through clean energy access.
  • Hydrovolts:
    • Technology Enhancement: Hydrovolts specializes in innovative hydropower solutions optimized for small-scale applications, including rural electrification projects in developing countries. Their flipwing turbine technology captures energy from flowing water in rivers, canals, and irrigation channels, generating electricity with minimal environmental impact and infrastructure requirements. Hydrovolts’ lightweight and modular turbine units are designed for easy installation and maintenance, making them suitable for off-grid and remote locations.
    • Uniqueness of the Startup: Hydrovolts stands out for its focus on low-head hydropower solutions tailored for rural electrification and community development. Their flipwing turbines offer a scalable and cost-effective way to harness the potential of small waterways for clean energy generation, addressing energy access challenges in underserved regions while promoting environmental sustainability.
    • End-User Segments Addressing: Hydrovolts serves rural communities, non-profit organizations, and humanitarian agencies seeking sustainable energy solutions for off-grid and underserved areas. Their small-scale hydropower systems are deployed in remote villages, agricultural communities, and disaster-affected regions, providing reliable electricity access, improving livelihoods, and enhancing resilience to climate change impacts.

Sample Research At Top-Tier Universities

  • Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU):
    • Research Focus: NTNU is actively involved in research on Small-Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy engineering, hydrology, and sustainable development to address energy access challenges in remote and off-grid communities.
    • Uniqueness: Their research encompasses the development of innovative hydropower technologies, including low-head turbines, micro-hydro systems, and run-of-river schemes tailored to the specific needs and constraints of rural areas. They also conduct feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and socio-economic analyses to identify suitable sites, optimize system design, and ensure community engagement and ownership.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in remote villages, agricultural cooperatives, and community-run mini-grids. By providing clean and reliable electricity, NTNU’s research contributes to poverty alleviation, economic development, and improved quality of life in underserved regions, fostering social inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
  • Kathmandu University (Nepal):
    • Research Focus: Kathmandu University is at the forefront of research on Small-Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification, drawing on its experience in renewable energy technology development, water resource management, and community empowerment to promote sustainable energy access in rural Nepal and beyond.
    • Uniqueness: Their research focuses on decentralized hydropower solutions, including pico-hydro, micro-hydro, and mini-grid systems, customized to the geographical, hydrological, and socio-economic conditions of remote mountainous regions. They also engage local communities in project planning, capacity building, and operation and maintenance training to ensure long-term sustainability and social acceptance.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work benefit remote households, schools, health clinics, and small businesses, enabling them to access electricity for lighting, cooking, communication, and productive activities. By harnessing the power of water resources, Kathmandu University’s research empowers rural communities to achieve energy independence, resilience, and self-reliance, contributing to poverty reduction and environmental conservation.
  • University of Rwanda:
    • Research Focus: University of Rwanda conducts innovative research on Small-Scale Hydropower for Rural Electrification, leveraging its expertise in renewable energy policy, hydrological modeling, and community development to address energy poverty and promote sustainable development in rural areas across Rwanda and the East African region.
    • Uniqueness: Their research includes the design, implementation, and monitoring of small-scale hydropower projects, such as run-of-river turbines, gravity-fed systems, and community-managed mini-grids, integrated with solar PV and energy storage technologies for enhanced reliability and resilience. They also explore policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and business models to scale up rural electrification efforts and attract private sector investment.
    • End-use Applications: The outcomes of their work have applications in remote villages, agro-processing centers, and rural enterprises, facilitating economic growth, job creation, and social empowerment. By expanding energy access and promoting clean energy entrepreneurship, University of Rwanda’s research contributes to the achievement of national electrification targets, climate resilience goals, and sustainable development objectives.

commercial_img Commercial Implementation

Small-scale hydropower systems are being implemented in various locations around the world, providing clean and reliable electricity to rural communities and remote areas. For example, many villages in Nepal and other mountainous regions rely on micro-hydropower systems for their electricity needs.



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