Micro-hydro power generation is a rapidly growing part of the renewable energy field. Any site that has a running water source that drops several feet or more could be a micro hydro power candidate. A small amount of the flow needs to be diverted into a pipe where it can drop several feet before driving a turbine. The technology uses the energy in moving water to generate electricity. These small systems do not normally rely on reservoirs or dams to impound water but instead use what is referred to as "run-of-the river." A portion of the stream or river's volume is temporarily diverted from the normal channel and used to turn a turbine and generator to produce electricity. Such a system can easily generate enough clean power for a family, farm or small business.
Small-scale installations in rural areas of developing countries like the Philippines offer considerable financial benefits to the communities served. With these in mind, Alexander R. Madrigal, regional director of DOST CALABARZON, together with DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, then the representative of the second district of Quezon, initially launched the Aquino-Alcala Micro-Hydropower Project early in November 2007. Now nearing completion, several hundreds of families in Barangay Aquino, Tiaong will soon benefit from water power.
Further recognizing the huge potential of micro-hydropower in preserving running water such as falls, Madrigal, together with Engr. Angelito V. Angeles of the Central Luzon State University-Agricultural Research Center (CLSU-AREC), assessed the site for San Ysidro Micro-hydropower Project in Antipolo City in Rizal Province. With a proposed budget of PhP2M still awaiting approval, LGU-Antipolo City in association with CLSU and the Village Engineering Specialist, are targeting a potential power generation of 169,894 kw/h.
In the past, however, hydro power was a major source of power, mostly in the form of water wheels that drove grain millstones, or generated power for textile mills, sawmills and other industrial applications. This time simple folks in small barangays will see and experience the wonders of clean, renewable electric power from water-driven turbines. (DOST-IV-A/AMGuevarra)
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