2008 Environment Award Laureate
Practical Action
| Laureate Country: Peru |
| Project Country: Peru |
| Website: http://www.solucionespracticas.org.pe |
| Video: 2008videos/Practical_Action.mov |
Practical Action developed small-scale hydropower technology to bring electricity to isolated villages in Peru.
In Peru, 6.5 million people live in remote villages without access to electricity. Extending the power grid across Peru's mountains and jungles is nearly impossible and local diesel power stations produce harmful greenhouse gases.
Practical Action looked to Peru's many waterfalls for a solution. They adapted low-cost hydropower technology for small-scale use. Then they trained local technicians so that each village can tap nearby waterfalls for a clean source of energy. Today hydropower prevents the release of 34,000 metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions that diesel power stations would create, while delivering reliable, renewable power to 35,000 people.
