Clean energy for South West China's remote mountain communities
The powerful rivers of China's mountainous areas can be harnessed to generate electricity for its remote communities and the wider region, but even small-scale hydroelectric power plants require substantial investment to set up and run. The project is channelling vital carbon finance into developing renewable energy infrastructure in rural, underserved regions, at a time when a large part of China's growing energy demands is being met with fossil-fuel based power stations.
involved in educational programmes, learning about environmental protection
by the project, representing about 25% of total workers
of renewable energy generated on average annually
in surrounding villages take part in agricultural training programmes
mitigated on average each year
Huóshuĭ Small Hydropower consists of 88 small hydropower plants. The small-scale plants range in capacity from 0.1 to 14 MW, and together supply enough renewable energy to power over half a million average Chinese homes each year. Their run-of-river design allows them to do so with minimal environmental impact. The cost of developing hydropower plants in remote locations is a significant barrier to construction, so this project would not be possible without the revenue generated by carbon credits.
About 80% of the workers in the team are from an ethnic minorities. It's a harmonious team.
He Jianfu, worker at Lishadi Hydro plant, Nu Minority
Huóshuĭ Grouped Small Hydropower is diversifying China’s energy sector and stabilizing the energy supply to avoid blackouts. This energy security is beneficial both to new local industries and households who are increasingly able to switch from wood-fired to electric stoves, improving their daily life. The project provides local employment opportunities in power plant construction and operation, helping to alleviate regional poverty and funds social initiatives in cooperation with local organisations. This includes disaster relief funds and educational programmes, such as those aimed at improving the lives of children whose parents have migrated to the cities for work.
I like the training very much. The technician has taught me how to graft fruit trees
Li Dazi, a local farmer on receiving training from the project
The project organised an education programme about air pollution for local primary students in Wulong and Wanzhou. They were also provided with new books, vacuum cups, and stationary.
In Guizhou, the project organised a free health check-up for the local communities, with special focus on the eldery. As well as seeing a doctor, they received medicine and vitamins.
Two agricultural training programmes were held for almost 200 villagers in Yunnan to learn about growing local fruit, tsaoko amomum, improve corn cultivation and implement pest and disease control measures. After the workshop, 180 sets of agricultural tools were delivered to participants.
In November 2018, South Pole worked with local NGO, the Yingjing Sunshine Volunteer Association, to fund a field trip for 95 left-behind children from Miaogang Village Primary School. Read the Social Impact Report.
