Center for A Rural Alternative
El Limon, Dominican Republic

Our first project in El Limon introduced community-built micro-hydroelectricity to the Dominican Republic. Completed in 1998, the 3 kW system provides 35 watts each for 60 households and powers the office and computer center in the school. The Pelton turbine operates with a head of 300 feet, and a flow of 100 gallons per minute. This community is now replacing this system with a 15 kW installation.
about El Limon's system

The Rural Center has performed extensive survey, education, and design work for community scale hydro development in the Dominican Republic, often working with the United Nations Development Programme's Small Grant Program. We provided primary technical support for the installations now operating in Los Martinez and Los Calabazos, and have been involved in more than 10 other systems now in operation or under construction. We have also taught technical workshops for engineers, technicians, and rural residents.

We are also starting innovative work with other energy sources. In northern Haiti, we are developing a project for the generation of electricity through the pyrolytic combustion of biomass. information here.

Rafael Presinal and the El Limon Turbine

Rafael Presinal and Rotary Volunteer Matthew Kryzsten in El Limon

Unloading Cable in El Limon

Installing the Turbine in Los Calabazos

Turbine Installation in Los Calabazos

Water Filter in Los Calabazos