Can Hydropower Energy Help Save the World Heritage?
28 January 2010
The Case of Ifugao Rice Terraces Site, Philippines The debate on which kinds of energy can be defined as sustainable and renewable is still open and hydropower plants are at the core of this discussion. It is clear that small hydropower plants became relevant in order to promote the diversification of sources in rural areas with fresh and impetuous water.

But can hydropower energy match the goal of heritage preservation, especially in areas where the main economic source is agriculture? Can a small hydropower plant be the best solution to produce energy and to improve the quality of life for local communities in rural areas that are in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in Danger? Yes, and this is the case of Ifugao Rice Terraces World Heritage Site in the Philippines.

The development of a mini-hydropower plant (200kW) on the Ifugao province’s Ambagal River will not only contribute to financing local terrace conservation activities but will also enhance local capacity in renewable energy-based rural development.
The project is funded by UNESCO and carried out in collaboration with Canadian no profit organisation e8 and several other organisations such as: American Electric Power, Duke Energy, Electricite de France, ENEL S.P.A., Hydro Quebec, JSC (RusHydro), Kansai Electric Power Corp., Ontario Power Corp., RWE AG and Tepco.
After the feasibility study and the building phase, now this is a successful pilot model currently in activity. On January 22, 2010, Philippine officials were handed the symbolic keys to the $1 million 200-kilowatt hydropower plant, which will meet 18 percent of the province's power needs.

These and other information can be read on the website:"
 

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