Failure analysis of micro-hydroelectric sites in the province of Ifugao, Philippines

Abstract

Micro-hydroelectric power has the promise of supplying clean renewable energy for remote communities at a cost-effective price. However, previous attempts of implementation suffered from a high failure rate and proved to be unsustainable. This paper presents a failure analysis of multiple micro hydroelectric sites that were built in the province of Ifugao, Philippines. The analysis was done by completing field trips to the failed sites and performing a technical examination of the neglected hydroelectric facilities. Moreover, interviews with multiple community members and officials were held to understand the social, culture and economic context of these systems. The interviews also focused on including female community members to get a gender neutral overview of the community. The study showed that multiple technical, economic and social factors can lead to the failure of the implementation of this technology. A relatively successful micro-hydroelectric system in the province is highlighted to provide a comparison with the other failed sites. The aim of the paper is to provide an insight on the best practices for the future development of micro-hydroelectric systems. The study showed that a sustainable micro-hydroelectric system should address the three pillars of sustainability - social, economic and technical.