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Huoshui Small Hydropower

Clean energy for South West China’s remote mountain communities

China
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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.

Location
China
Type
Hydropower
Registry
Standards
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Sustainable Development Goals

4. Quality Education

192 students

involved in educational programmes, learning about environmental protection

5. Gender Equality

240 women employed

by the project, representing about 25% of total workers

7. Affordable and Clean Energy

740,000 MWh

of renewable energy generated on average annually

8. Decent work and economic growth

179 people

in surrounding villages take part in agricultural training programmes

13. Climate Action

369,000 tonnes of CO2e

mitigated on average each year

The Solution

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.

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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, worker at Lishadi Hydro plant, Nu Minority

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The Impact

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.

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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, a local farmer on receiving training from the project

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Project Progress

2015
2016
2017
2018
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Project Progress

Education

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.

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Project Progress

Improving health in Guizhou

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.

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Project Progress

Agriculture in Yunnan

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.

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Project Progress

Social Impact Report

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.

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Project ID: 300494
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