Evaluation of mini-hydro power for off grid electrification in rural/isolated areas in Africa

Abstract

Rural electrification and sustainable energy services to the less privileged is à major challenge faced in Nigeria. Off-grid power generation via small hydropower plant would mitigate this challenge. This Paper discusses the awareness and assessment of small hydro power for off-grid electrification in rural/isolated areas in Nigeria. In this research, the method of onsite data collection and evaluation was used. Data was measured and collected at water fall of 21 meters high. The velocity of the water and flow rate were measured and calculated respectively. From the onsite analysis carried out for a one-year period, the result shows output power generated in each month. The analytical observation revealed that the output power generated in the rainy season was higher than that of dry season. The data were compiled and plotted using Excel spreadsheet. The output power generated from the rainy season in Nigeria is higher than that of dry season. August has the highest output power (110.728867 kW), while December has the least output power (101.125352 kW). From the output power gotten we can term it a micro hydropower plant. With this each of the monthly generated power can serve 5 villages in rural/isolated areas with average connection of 200houses, assuming 100W compact power supply to each house hold. Nigeria as a developing country will gain a lot from Small Hydro Power (SHP) and it has minimal environmental hazard.