Assessment of Impact of Hydropower Dams Reservoir Outflow on the Downstream River Flood Regime – Nigeria’s Experience

Abstract

Over more than five decades, the energy sector in Nigeria, particularly the rural energy sector, is characterized by lack of access, low purchasing power and over-dependence on traditional fuels for meeting basic energy needs. In an attempt by the government to solving this challenge, the hydropower scheme came on stream as the forerunner in 1968, 1986 and 1990 at Kainji, Jebba and Shiroro respectively. The objective was to improve access to reliable, secure, affordable, climate friendly and sustainable energy services and to boost investment in energy in Nigeria. However, this solution seems to be characterized with some challenges at the downstream sector of the hydropower dams. The communities in the flood plains experience annual flooding when the authorities of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) open the gates of the dams to let off water at the peak of the rains. The floods have caused damages and untold hardships to lives and properties. The occurrence of flood has great effect on communities and farming activities downstream of Jebba and Shiroro dams.