India – Hydroelectric Plant
The Aleo Manali project generates renewable energy through a small hydropower plant sited in the foothills of the Himalayas in Northern India at an elevation of about 10,000 feet (3,000 metres).
By using water, which is a clean source of electricity, instead of polluting fuels such as coal and diesel, the project reduces emissions by around 23,000 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to taking nearly 8,000 British cars off the road.
The plant was designed to have a minimal impact on its surrounding environment. As a run-of-river scheme which does not use a dam to store water, the project causes no flooding of forest and farmland. The project was even designed in such a way that not a single tree was felled during its construction. The company has also obtained ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification of its environmental management system.
As a small-scale project, Aleo Manali faced several significant technical and financial barriers which registration in the Clean Development Mechanism helped to overcome.
The project owners have made a considerable investment in a rural area, as well as creating local jobs in the construction and operation of the plant.
Aleo Manali has contributed to the local community by providing solar lights, repairing a local irrigation channel and sponsoring local community events. A steering committee with representation from local elected community stakeholders oversees allocation of company developmental funds generated by the project.
