Community micro-hydropower plants revolutionise isolated areas of the Dominican Republic

In recent years, the Dominican Republic has emerged as a pioneer in the use of community micro-hydropower plants to bring renewable energy to isolated areas that are excluded from the national electricity distribution system. This innovative model, which has been in operation for over two decades, has not only revolutionized energy access in remote regions but has also contributed significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the country.

The 2022 World Small Hydropower Development Report (WSHPDR) highlights that the Dominican Republic ranks among Caribbean countries with 98 percent access to electricity in rural areas. However, this leaves a two percent gap without supply, primarily in the most remote and inaccessible regions. The report also notes that only Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti have large hydropower plants, while Grenada and Saint Lucia lack hydropower capacity altogether. In the remaining countries of the region, all existing hydropower capacity corresponds to small plants. The Dominican Republic, in particular, has an installed hydropower capacity of 623 megawatts, with many isolated areas relying on community micro-hydropower plants.

The Luz de Agua programme, a development model aimed at providing electricity to communities difficult to reach by conventional power grids, has been instrumental in this transformation. Operational for nearly three decades, the programme was driven by communities in isolated mountainous areas and emerged from the vision of U.S. engineer Jon Katz, who was in the Dominican Republic in the late 1990s. The initiative focuses on social and development support, with the Small Grants Programme (SGP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) promoting it from its inception. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) later globally implemented the programme, providing financial and technical support to civil society and community projects to conserve and restore the environment, improve livelihoods, and achieve global environmental benefits through local action.

As part of the Luz de Agua programme, 48 projects are currently operational. Additionally, other state-supported projects based on the same model, but linked to different organizations, bring the total number of micro-hydropower plants in the country to just over 50. This model has made the Dominican Republic a benchmark for renewable energy adoption in isolated areas over the past 27 years.

The success of community micro-hydropower plants in the Dominican Republic can be attributed to the local leadership and community involvement in the projects. These plants are designed to be sustainable and self-sufficient, ensuring that the energy generated remains within the community. This approach not only provides reliable electricity to remote areas but also empowers local communities to take ownership of their energy needs.

Moreover, the use of micro-hydropower plants has had a positive impact on the environment. By harnessing renewable energy sources, these plants significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.

In conclusion, the community micro-hydropower plants in the Dominican Republic represent a groundbreaking model for providing electricity to isolated areas while also contributing to environmental sustainability. The Luz de Agua programme and other related initiatives have demonstrated the potential of local leadership and community involvement in achieving energy access and reducing carbon footprints. As the Dominican Republic continues to lead the way in this area, other countries may look to its success as a blueprint for addressing similar challenges.