Evaluation of the small decentralized hydropower project

Special evaluation covers the period 5/80-4/82 and is based on document review, discussions with NRECA and A.I.D. personnel, and USAID reports. The program has made significant progress. A roster of 100 SDH experts has been developed, and NRECA technical assistance teams have been sent to 12 LDC's, at least half of which are proceeding with SDH programs. Workshops have been conducted in Quito, Bangkok, and Abidjan, combining theory and practice and involving participants from many countries. Although some presentations have been overly broad and others overly technical, the workshops have been rated very favorably on their provision of information and transfer of technology. However, the NRECA staff's lack of technical education and experience in hydropower has limited its effectiveness; technical reports sometimes lacked necessary information and data - on climate, hydrology, energy use, site characteristics - or adequate project definition and conceptual design. A well-prepared guide to site identification and prefeasibility studies is needed, and NRECA teams should include experienced experts in hydro engineering and economic analysis. The methodologies of specific assessments - hydrology, prefeasibility studies, environmental, and country assessments - prepared by NRECA are, with two exceptions, too general to be useful for a specific site and constitute the weakest part of the program. NRECA has developed a proposal for intensive training of LDC engineers at the University of Minnesota's Hydraulic Laboratory, with possible later training in a foreign country with an on-going hydropower program. Recommendations emphasize the importance of experienced staff and consultants, the need for practical case studies and more participation by U.S. manufacturers and consultants in the workshops, and more specific methodology and technical reports. While continuing to promote SDH programs, for projects with larger potential NRECA should offer advice on obtaining assistance from experienced U.S. agencies and private firms.