Technical-Economic Prefeasibility Assessment of an Off-Grid Mini-hydropower Plant for an Agribusiness Resort in Kaduna Nigeria

Victor Adamu, Nana Ampofo, Ario Panggi Pramono Jati, Ryan Tulabing, Luis Rojas Solorzano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Clean energy technologies are beginning to receive attention in Nigeria to offset increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions are associated to the wide use of small-scale fossil fuel-powered generators by about 55% of its 180 million people, yet to be connected to the grid. While a large hydropower potential exists in Nigeria, even above the total electricity demand of the country, by 2013 this technology only accounted for about 32% of the total installed generation capacity connected to the grid. Previous studies have limited results in terms of technical, economic and environmental evidences that can drive choices towards small hydro and other clean energy projects for users and technology providers in Nigeria. This study uses the RETScreen Software to analyse the technical, economic and environmental aspects of a proposed mini-hydropower plant on Tuwan River, to supply part of the energy needs of Tuwan Agribusiness Resort (TAR) located in Madakiya District, a rural community in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The volumetric flow and gross head of the chosen river were measured and the power generation system design yielded a 21-kW power output, capable to partially offset the present use of diesel generators and achieve a 307.4 tCO2-equivalent GHG emission reduction. The financial analysis showed an attractive internal rate of return (IRR) of 68.1% and net present value (NPV) of 568,178 USD (11% discount rate), owing to the high potential of the project to attract grants and tax rebates, which were put into consideration in the financial analysis. This study is important for Tuwan Agribusiness Resort, an agribusiness service provision outfit with a potential to create over 1000 jobs when fully operational.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationExergy for A Better Environment and Improved Sustainability, Volume 2
Subtitle of host publicationApplications
EditorsFethi Aloui, Ibrahim Dincer
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages1193-1203
Number of pages11
Volume2
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-62575-1
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-62574-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 23 2018

Publication series

NameGreen Energy and Technology

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