Potential of Small-Scale Hydropower for Electricity Generation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The importance of renewable energy such as small hydropower for sustainable power generation in relation to its capacity to contribute towards alleviating acute shortage of rural electricity supply in the sub-Saharan African region has been discussed. A relatively comprehensive small hydropower technology review has been presented. Rural electricity supply scenario in the region has been presented and, in general, the region has very low electricity access levels coupled with various challenges. Small hydropower technology has been discussed as one of the promising decentralised power generation system for rural electricity supply in the region. Despite challenges in data acquisition, this paper has shown that the SSA has significant hydropower resources, but the level of installation is very low. Challenges hampering SHP technology development in the region have been identified and discussed, such as those concerning technology, climate change, finance, and policy. This is basically a paper where the authors consulted a wide range of literature including journals, conference proceedings, and reports as well as expert knowledge in the area. It is hoped that this paper contributes to the information base on SHP technology which is quite lacking in the region.

Prediction of available power being generate in small hydropower system at Sungai Perting Bentong Pahang

“…The water flow rates obtained were in form of continuous random variables. Power generated by the small hydropower system can be calculated by using Equation (1) where, ߩ (kg/m 3) is a density 1000 kg/m 3 , ݃ (m/s 2 ) is the acceleration due to gravity 9.81 m/s 2 , Q (m 3 /s) is the flow rate, and H (m) is the net head available at the inlet to the turbine and ߟ is the overall energy conversion efficiency [9]. The overall efficiency for small hydropower system electricity generation is lower (< 80%) than for mechanical power supply system because of generator losses in the former [10].…”

“…For small capacities of hydropower system, run-ofriver types are highly recommended. A typical run-of-river small hydropower system for electricity generation is consisted of the following basic components: water intake structure (e.g., weir and settling tank), penstock, turbine, mechanical power transmission system to generator, generator, and electricity transmission system to load centers, and control system [7] The power production of small hydropower plant is a dynamic process which indicates the maximum generation capacity under certain meteorological and hydrological conditions. It is also easily being influenced by hydrology, climate, and installation capacity.…”

The Drivers and Barriers of Renewable Energy Applications and Development in Uganda: A Review

“…EE is an initiative designed to ensure economical use of energy in all sectors of the economy: i.e., the use of less energy to provide the same amount of service or useful output [122,123]. RETs tend to have a greater visibility than EE programs.…”

Hydropower in the Context of Sustainable Energy Supply: A Review of Technologies and Challenges

“…Renewable energy supply in the form of electricity and heat may help in alleviating the problems of serious electricity shortage and region's overdependence on traditional biomass [22]. In developed and emerging countries, renewable energy can help end the present relationship that correlates economic development with carbon emission.…”