Micro-hydro In remote communities, a resource as small as a stream can provide high-quality electricity 24 hours per day to a whole community by diverting a small portion of the water to a turbine located downstream. The electricity is then distributed to the community through electrical transmission lines.
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solar powerSolar panels convert sunlight into electricity. Thanks to rapid price reductions, solar energy is now being utilized in everything from schools to health clinics to homes, displacing dangerous and more costly alternatives such as kerosene and diesel. Solar micro-grids provide electricity to whole communities that can be used for lighting, cellphone charging, and micro-enterprise development.
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wind powerIn rural mountain communities, small-scale wind power can be a viable part of energy infrastructure. In Peru, Solucionnes Practicas (Practical Action – Peru) manufactures wind turbines that power individual homes. We also deliver training on the proper use and sizing of wind turbines, most recently in Nepal.
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water pumpingGreen Empowerment uses community-specific technology to help individuals access water, either by community tap stands or in their home. Solar powered water pumps are used to draw water from bore holes and wells to fill water tanks. Ram pumps are gravity-powered pumps that use hydraulics to pump water uphill and over long distances without using diesel or electricity. Gravity-fed water systems are used where the water source is located above the community.
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biosand filtersBiosand Filters use a combination of sand, gravel, and a biological layer to provide passive and active filtration of contaminated water sources. The technology scales very well from household to community-sized filtration systems. In Peru, biosand filters paired with rural health training have resulted in an infant mortality rate of zero in the last several years.
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sanitationWaterborne diseases, most often caused by human waste, play a significant role in the health of communities, causing productivity delays, school absences, and sometimes loss of life. To address this community crisis, we work with a variety of sanitation technologies including pit and composting latrines and biogas toilets.
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hygieneWhile access to water is important, training in the proper conditions and practices that maintain health and prevent the spread of diseases, especially around animals and sanitation, is critical to achieving positive health outcomes. We incorporate hygiene training in all of our water projects, from handwashing to protection of water sources.
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watershed managementIn order to guarantee the long-term success of water pumping and micro-hydro systems, communities work with Green Empowerment to develop and implement a watershed management plan. This helps maintain and improve the health of groundwater and local streams and rivers. These plans also support communities in preserving their natural resources and cultural heritage.
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