Community micro-hydropower in the Dominican RepublicCEFR B1
29 Mar 2026
Adapted from Zahiris Priscila Francisco Martínez, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Fran Pencliffe, Unsplash
The Dominican Republic reports near-universal rural electrification, with the 2022 World Small Hydropower Development Report citing 98 percent access in rural areas and an installed hydropower capacity of 623 megawatts. Small and micro-hydropower systems are now important for remote mountainous communities. Around 48 projects are currently operational and, with other state-supported initiatives, the country has just over fifty micro-hydropower plants.
Guakía Ambiente says more than 22,000 people across over 5,000 households have gained electricity through the community model, with a greater than 60 percent reduction in energy expenses and an annual absorption of more than 25,000 tons of CO₂ through renewable generation. The first successful installation was the El Limón community plant in 1998, with 3.5 kilowatts serving 70 households.
Micro-hydropower plants usually operate below 500 kW, do not require dams or flooding, and return water to the source within about 2.5 kilometres while keeping ecological flow. Construction can take up to six years. Droughts can limit operation, so complementary photovoltaic systems and grid connections are used in some communities.
Difficult words
- electrification — bringing electric power to homes and areas
- hydropower — electricity generated from flowing water
- capacity — maximum amount a system can produce
- community model — local people manage and run a service
- absorption — process of taking in a gas or substance
- ecological flow — natural amount of water kept in rivers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What are the advantages of micro-hydropower for remote mountainous communities?
- How might a greater than 60 percent reduction in energy expenses affect households in these areas?
- Do you think combining hydropower with photovoltaic systems and grid connections is a good solution during droughts? Why or why not?
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