Potential of developing an energy self-sufficient village through mini hydro powerplant technology

Abstract

Nowadays, electricity is one of the most important need for the human life. However, in developing countries, there are some areas that are not fully covered by the electrical power. The high cost of distribution is one of the reasons behind the problem. More efforts are needed to distribute the electricity to a remote area, such as a far mountainous region. On the other hand, there is a potential to provide electrical power from a river through the development of mini-hydro powerplant technology. In this study, potential of water power in a mountainous region of West Java Province, Indonesia, is measured. The measurements were taken in three different places of river, divided by the distance from a waterfall. As a result, it is found that the potential power obtained from the rivers are ranged between 17-137 kW, which is enough for lighting up 37-304 houses, indicating there is a potential of developing an energy-sufficient village through mini-hydro powerplant technology.