Electropalmor Hydropower Project awarded HSS certification, highlighting community-led practices in Colombia
The Electropalmor Hydropower Project in the Department of Magdalena, Colombia, has been awarded certification under the Hydropower Sustainability Standard (HSS), recognising the project’s achievement in meeting internationally recognised environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
The 275 kW project, which is the world’s first small-scale, community-led hydropower initiative assessed under the HSS, provides reliable, low-cost electricity to the town of Palmor while operating with minimal environmental impact.
Electricity from the plant supports coffee processing and other local enterprises, while reducing reliance on firewood.
Run by Electropalmor ESP, a local energy cooperative, the project involves strong participation from the community through volunteer labour and locally employed staff.
The certification followed an independent assessment that reviewed the project against the HSS minimum requirements, including site visits, stakeholder interviews and document analysis.
The Electropalmor Hydropower Project assessment report shows that the project delivers substantial social benefits, maintains organisational resilience and safeguards the Cherua River watershed.
Areas for improvement were identified and have since been addressed, including implementing a formal Environmental and Social Management System and carrying out urgent structural repairs.
“A big impact on people’s everyday lives”
Joao Costa, Executive Director of the Hydropower Sustainability Alliance (HSA), said: “Electropalmor shows how a small, community-led hydropower project can have a big impact on people’s everyday lives. The electricity is used for coffee processing and other local businesses, as well as reducing firewood cutting around the village. And the certification process is empowering community members to take ownership of their cooperative.
“To me, this example shows that the HSS can help improve even the smallest projects. I hope Electropalmor becomes an inspiration to other small and, why not, larger projects around the world.”
The certification builds on the partnership between HSA, the Center for Renewable Energy and Water Studies (CEERA), and Electropalmor announced earlier this year. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable practices across Colombia’s small hydropower sector and demonstrate the replicability of community-based models.
Ongoing efforts at Electropalmor will focus on monitoring watershed health, maintaining technical and financial resilience, and exploring opportunities to expand services, ensuring that the project continues to benefit the local community while contributing to Colombia’s clean energy transition.
