Betulia Hydroelectric Project
Betulia Hydroelectric Project
The Problem
In the northern region of the Republic of Honduras access to electrical energy is a major issue and many families have to depend on fuel wood, causing deforestation and pressure on the local environment.
The Solution
This small run of river power plant generates hydroelectric and provides renewable energy to the national grid. With a total installed capacity of 6.8 MW the power plant generates unto 23,000 MWh of green energy each year.
Impact and Benefits
- 6.8 MW turbine capacity in operation since October 2015
- Up to 23,000 MWh clean energy provided to the local electricity grid each year
- Annual monitoring and protection of local environment (Flora and Fauna)
- 12 jobs have been created of which 8 employees have been hired locally from the region to operate and maintain the plant
- Financial aid and contributions are provided in kind to the amount of 40,000 USD until 2018, improving the human and institutional capacity in local communities in the region (for local infrastructure such as improved bridges + roads) and schools
- Local stakeholders in river basin communities have been assisted and helped by donations, as a result of three local stakeholder consultations (a necessary step for Gold Standard certification).
- The community assisted in reforestation of land area with 6,000 mahogany plants. 5,000 more plants are in the nursery development process until 2018
- 25,568 tCO2e emission reductions achieved until 2018