Betulia Hydroelectric Project

A lack of access to electrical energy is a major issue in the north region of the Republic of Honduras. This small run-of-river hydroelectric generating power plant is providing renewable energy to the national grid (displacing traditional fossil fueled power plants), whilst improving the quality of electricity for local communities in the department of Colon. Improved access to electricity also reduces the dependency on fuel wood, helping to relieve deforestation pressures in the local environment.

The power plant has a total installed capacity of 6.8 MW and generates up to 23,000 MWh of green energy per year – the equivalent to the energy consumed by 5000 western style families. The project is developed by Renewable Energy Developers S.A. (RED SA).

Project impacts and benefits:

• 6.8 MW turbine capacity in operation since October 2015
• Up to 23,000 MWh clean energy provided to the local electricity grid each year
• Annual monitoring and protection of local environment (Flora and Fauna)
• 12 jobs have been created of which 8 employees have been hired locally from the region to operate and maintain the plant
• Financial aid and contributions are provided in kind to the amount of 40,000 USD until 2018, improving the human and institutional capacity in local communities in the region (for local infrastructure such as improved bridges + roads) and schools
• Local stakeholders in river basin communities have been assisted and helped by donations, as a result of three local stakeholder consultations (a necessary step for Gold Standard certification).
• The community assisted in reforestation of land area with 6,000mahogany plants. 5,000 more plants are in the nursery development process until 2018
• 25,568 tCO2e emission reductions achieved until 2018