Implementing Pico-hydropower Sites in Rural Rwanda

Dartmouth Humanitarian Engineering's Hydropower Project seeks to implement small-scale “pico” hydropower in remote communities around the world. These smaller systems produce under a single kilowatt (kW) of power, and are capable of charging car batteries that can be distributed to community members. These rechargeable batteries are rented out through a battery box kiosk station, which is run by a member of the community. Once DHE's Hydropower group arrives in country, the team begins installation, which includes training local technicians to operate and maintain the site and the kiosk. DHE has utilized an iterative design process in developing its proprietary Pelton turbine design, aided by the assistance of graduate-level work done over 2011. The project has installed and helped maintain three turbines in Rwanda over the past five years.