Ecobreves – BRAZIL: Micro Hydropower for Isolated Towns

By IPS Correspondents and - - Reprint | | Print |

RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 17 2009 (IPS) - The Hidropolio micro hydropower system is an alternative for bringing clean energy to some 10 million Brazilians living in isolated areas who otherwise lack electricity. The micro hydroelectric device, invented by Geraldo Tiago Filho, professor at the Federal University of Itajubá, can be used in rivers and streams, utilizing the flow of water to generate electricity, which is stored in batteries.

To achieve the goals of the official “Light for All” program, the distributors have been using diesel generators, which pollute and make it expensive because of transport. Hidropolio would replace the fossil fuel and make use of the natural power in rivers “with an almost non-existent impact on nature” because it doesn't require building a dam, Tiago Filho told Tierramérica.

There are already many requests for the system, and it is at the stage of industrial production. Each unit is made according to the demand of the community, estimating power at 500 watts per family and an increase in consumption once the electricity arrives.