Potential Sites for Micro-Hydropower Station by using Spatial-MCDA

Abstract

There are rural areas that still did not receive electricity supply these days. Therefore, an alternative is needed to supply electricity. One of the suitable power supply is the micro-hydropower which is a smaller scale of hydropower. It is suitable for area surrounded by river. It is also clean and green as it is a renewable resource. But, how to find the potential sites for the micro-hydropower station? This study highlighted three (3) criteria in finding the potential sites based on the literature and verified by experts which are slope, water velocity and accessibility. The potential sites can be determined by using Spatial-MCDA which combines Spatial Analysis and Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). MCDA used to weigh the criteria as they have different weightage in site selection. Spatial Analysis then used the weightage in finding the sites. To test the method, a small rural area in Sarawak, Malaysia which is Kanowit Song was chosen as it is yet to receive electricity supply though it is surrounded by small villages and small-scale vegetable plantation. The study found several potential areas that may be suitable for developing the micro-hydropower station which could supply electricity to area that did not receive one previously.