Using off-grid hydropower for community-led flood resilience: an integrated systems approach

ABSTRACT

The need for reliable energy is an ongoing challenge. Poor energy access, particularly in off-grid areas, constrains socioeconomic development and reduces resilience against natural hazards. With water-based disasters becoming more frequent and intense, it is important that holistic insights are applied to the assessment of community vulnerabilities and capabilities. Humanitarian engineering interventions that combine renewable energy and flood early warning at the local level offer comprehensive solutions, have long-term potential, and promote synergies between community and professional stakeholders. This study examines a community-centered approach to localised hydropower and flood response within a framework of sustainable development. Using a systems approach, we develop strategies that potentially address multiple needs, including the intersecting needs of key stakeholder groups.

KEYWORDS:

• Systems thinking
• pico-hydropower
• flood warning
• community engagement
• prototype development

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Mr Sushobhan Bhattarai, School of Engineering, Kathmandu University for assisting the team with data collection in Dhuskun village, Nepal.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Western Sydney University; and UNESCO Chair for the Conservation and Ecotourism of Riparian and Deltaic Ecosystems, International Hellenic University.