he designed micro hydro electric power stations, known more simply as micro hydros. like a much larger cousins, these small plants generate electricity from kinetic energy released from falling water. but the similarity is there. until recently, the small systems were too expensive to compete with british electricity prices, but the increase in power costs and new technological breakthroughs have driven consumers to his workshop from a small town in south africa, about nine hours' drive from cape town. >> hydropower was not economically viable, because the government actually subsidize the production of electricity. south africa had one of the cheapest electricity rights in the world. that has changed dramatically. our subsidies are being reduced. getting a hand-out from the government. >> the state-run energy company in south africa has raised electricity tariffs by 40% per year for the last two years and vows to continue. so downey sprang into action and partner with local engineer dennis clerk to create of cortex hydro systems. the company helps farmers in rural c