Energy conservation and resource development project : mini-hydro component

The evaluation covered the period 4/82-4/84 and was based on document review, interviews with 23 individuals, and site visits. The institutional arrangement of the implementing agency, the National Energy Policy Commission (COENER), seems adequate, and COENER has been reasonably successful in promoting the importance of renewable energy. Unfortunately, personality problems among the component"s principal collaborators initially created an image of poor efficiency. Thus, at the time of the evaluation, not a single feasibility report nor any design drawings had been begun. As of 11/85, however, the picture has brightened considerably and COENER is on track. Of the 55 sites initially investigated, 17 were earmarked for further study. Of the 11 of these studies actually begun, three have been completed (Rio Banilejo, Rio Guayabal, and Rio Yubua) and two others (Manuel Bueno and La Casualidad) are in process. At the final level of study (feasibility), Rio Banilejo was rejected, while Rio Guayabal was postponed because its range is small rather than mini-hydro and because of high construction costs. Rio Yuboa was chosen as having a mini-hydro range, a good rate of return, and an acceptable cost. Currently, COENER is completing the bid documents for Rio Yuboa and studying the feasibility of Rio Masacre, and plans to conduct two more design construction studies with only short-term TA. The effectiveness of the highly qualified contract staff was hampered by the lack of experienced counterparts, difficulties in obtaining logistical support for office and field work, and lack of budgetary provisions for short-term staff to prepare work in the company"s U.S. office. Lessons learned are that: (1) preliminary investigations of possible sites require at least one day per site; (2) since considerable infrastructure is already in place, existing canals should be used wherever possible; (3) some short-term training, including visits to the TA contractor office, should be included in future projects; and (4) careful consideration should be given to siting a working organization such as the PCH group (unidentified acronym) in planning and research organizations such as COENER. All five of the evaluation"s recommendations have already been fulfilled.