Evaluation of small hydropower plant at Ribb irrigation dam in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Energy is the main requirement for economic growth in any country and supports the modern econ- omy. The energy sector is considered a vital element in developing countries because it meets energy needs. This article addresses the production of electricity using small hydroelectric power plants for rural applications. The main objective of this study was to assess the potential of the Ribb dam for small hydroelectric plants. The flow is very important for the production of hydroelectricity as the height of a proposed site is constant and the available flow is very variable. Result: The flow duration curve is constant and it will vary from 20 to 50% from the nominal flow. Further, it will decrease when the percentage of the nominal flow increases. The best size of a small hydroelectric plant producing a maximum of electricity in the context of future projected flows in the study region. Further, the Ribb dam concluded that the average flow of 14.6331 m3/s, the smooth head of 70.37 m, and the average nominal power of 5.53 MW. Conclusion: Small hydro system (SHP) is a promising alternative for the production of cheap and renewable energy in rural or developing areas.