Sustainable and green energy development to support women's empowerment in rural areas of Indonesia: Case of micro-hydro power implementation

摘要

Micro-Hydro Power (MHP) is a type of hydroelectric power that typically generates electricity from 5 kW to 100 kW using the natural flow of water. This study investigates the MHP plant as one of the renewable energy projects in rural areas of Indonesia and its benefits to rural women. Implementation of the renewable energy (RE) projects were initiated by local non-government organizations (NGOs) and donor agencies that provide funding, technical assistance, and training for the rural community. The MHP projects discussed in this paper were located in rural areas of West Java and East Java. The empirical data show that MHP not only provides green electricity but also gives benefits to many households. It significantly impacts women's empowerment, gender relations, and their relationship to rural development, including improves their living conditions. The biggest challenges for future implementations of MHP at the national level are maintaining the local's responsibility, networking to connect and motivate practitioners from various institutions and organizations, and developing sustainable and successful Indonesia's energy programs in the long run.