Progress for On-Grid Renewable Energy Systems: Identification of Sustainability Factors for Small-Scale Hydropower in Rwanda

Geoffrey Gasore, Helene Ahlborg, Etienne Ntagwirumugara and Daniel Zimmerle
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Geoffrey Gasore: African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development, University of Rwanda, Avenue de l’ Armée, P.O. Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
Helene Ahlborg: Division of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
Etienne Ntagwirumugara: African Center of Excellence in Energy for Sustainable Development, University of Rwanda, Avenue de l’ Armée, P.O. Box 3900, Kigali, Rwanda
Daniel Zimmerle: Energy Institute, Colorado State University, 430 N. College Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80524, USA

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-16

Abstract: In Rwanda, most small-scale hydropower systems are connected to the national grid to supply additional generation capacity. The Rwandan rivers are characterized by low flow-rates and a majority of plants are below 5 MW generation capacity. The purpose of this study is to provide a scientific overview of positive and negative factors affecting the sustainability of small-scale hydropower plants in Rwanda. Based on interviews, field observation, and secondary data for 17 plants, we found that the factors contributing to small-scale hydropower plant sustainability are; favorable regulations and policies supporting sale of electricity to the national grid, sufficient annual rainfall, and suitable topography for run-of-river hydropower plants construction. However, a decrease in river discharge during the dry season affects electricity production while the rainy season is characterized by high levels of sediment and soil erosion. This shortens turbine lifetime, causes unplanned outages, and increases maintenance costs. Further, there is a need to increase local expertise to reduce maintenance cost. Our analysis identifies environmental factors related to the amount and quality of water as the main current problem and potential future threat to the sustainability of small-scale hydropower. The findings are relevant for energy developers, scholars, and policy-makers in Rwanda and East Africa.

Keywords: small-scale hydropower plants; sustainability factors; on-grid systems; smart grids; Africa; Rwanda (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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