What is a micro-hydro village
electrification scheme?
Hydroelectricity is the generation of power using the energy of falling or flowing water. There are many
such systems around the world providing electricity to communities. The power generated will vary
depending on the available energy in the source (stream) and, therefore, the number of houses electrified
will also vary. Generating 5 kW to 50 kW is enough to satisfy the total electrical demand of a general
village. Such a system can be run as a stand-alone mini grid and is called “VILLAGE MICRO-HYDRO
ELECTRICITY SYSTEM”. These systems have practically no negative effects on the environment unlike
the traditional power sources such as fossil fuel.
The diagram below details the basic structure of a small scale (micro) hydro scheme.
Forebay Tank
Channel
Natural water
Weir
stream
PHoowuseer
electricity
distribution lines
tail race
Water from the river is channelled through a settling basin, which helps to remove sediments that could
harm the turbine. The water then flows into the forebay tank where it is directed downhill through a
pipe called a penstock. When the water reaches the bottom, it drives a specially designed turbine to
produce the electricity. (Source:‘Micro-hydro power: the basics’, Practical Action, available at http://
practicalaction.org/?id=micro_hydro_faq)
07