Pico-hydro opportunities in the Andean region

Providing modern energy services in remote rural areas is often costly and difficult to achieve. However, the availability of reliable energy supplies in rural areas is one of the key components required to help developing countries meet many of the Millennium Development Goals. This article focuses on the opportunities for developing pico hydro in the Andean region, with special reference to Ecuador, where pilot projects have been tested. This technology could help rural communities to have access to modern energy supplies.