Exchange: First Central American Conference of Small-Scale Hydroelectric Generators: Sharing Experiences and Coordinating Efforts for Efficient Management in Providing Clean Energy

In Central and Latin America, small-scale and micro-hydroelectric power generation face several challenges. A lack of technically trained staff makes it difficult to ensure the adequate and efficient operation and maintenance of micro-hydro plants (MHPs); this lack of expertise sometimes even leads to the equipment being damaged. Furthermore, there is little information about reduced stream flows in sub-basins, which threatens the sustainability of MHPs in the region. The aims of the exchange activities are:

To promote the exchange of knowledge and sharing of experiences between practitioners involved in small-scale hydroelectric projects
To raise awareness within society of the socio-economic and environmental benefits of these projects in the region
To strengthen the technical and management capacities of hydroelectric generators
To overcome the challenges, within the context of climate change, that currently limit the technical, economic, social and environmental sustainability of the projects
To promote the formation of strategic alliances between organisations in the hydropower sector

This exchange seeks to conduct an initial meeting for local practitioners working in the field of small-scale and micro-hydroelectric power generation in Central and South America with the aim of providing a platform where practitioners can share good practice in terms of technical, administrative and environmental aspects. The workshop intends to lay the foundation for a Central American hydroelectric network as an umbrella organisation for the implementation of further initiatives. The exchange activity will be implemented within six months. The First Central American Small Hydroelectric Conference: Sharing Experiences and Articulating Efforts for Efficient Management of Clean Energy Supply will be held from 11th – 13th October 2017 at the Hotel Camino Real Convention Center in the city of Managua, Nicaragua.

Exchange: First Central American Conference of Small-Scale Hydroelectric Generators: Sharing Experiences and Coordinating Efforts for Efficient Management in Providing Clean Energy

Developing Alternative Sustainable Income-Generating Activity by the Efficient Use of Surplus Energy From an Existing Micro-Hydro Plant

Exchange: Sharing Learning Across Projects: Operating Micro Hydro Plants (MHP) as Commercially Viable Enterprises