Betulia Energy and Biodiversity Restoration Project in Honduras
A lack of access to electrical energy is a major issue in the northern 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.
Gold Standard is a globally recognised certification body for high-quality climate and sustainable development projects. Established in 2003 by WWF and other NGOs, it ensures that projects not only reduce carbon emissions but also contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Projects certified by Gold Standard must demonstrate genuine and measurable impacts on both the environment and local communities.
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), international partner of Global Climate Partnership Netherlands.
Project impacts and benefits:
- 11,000 trees have been planted around the run-of-river small hydro generation plant as a contribution to the local community and to support local biodiversity, this has lead to the preservation of 100,000 fish and the recovery of degraded soils along the riverbank.
- 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
- 26 jobs have been created of which 25 employees have been hired locally to operate and maintain the plant and protect the local environment
- Financial aid and contributions are provided in kind to the amount of $97,000 USD, 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)
- 43,772 tCO2e emission reductions achieved
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