Feasibility study of Mwange micro-hydropower plant. (Case study: Gicumbi District, Rwanda)

Abstract

Currently, in Rwanda, technology is growing up and Rwandan people are facing many challenges for adapting to new technologies. Hydropower is among the Renewable energy basics which accelerate the dissemination of new technologies across the country. Micro-hydropower projects are the excellent alternative for electricity generation in remote areas. In the most rural areas of Rwanda where there is not enough access to electricity, people don‟t adapt quickly to the technology comparing with those who live in cities. My research project was “the feasibility study of Mwange Micro-Hydropower plant.” Mwange is the river which is located in Gicumbi District, Northern Province of Rwanda. This river is located in rural area where surrounded people do not access to electricity and for them, to get cured when they are sick they make a long journey to reach the hospitals, and in the same way, the children are still struggling in doing their homework because they are still using kerosene and candles for lighting their homes during the night. Mwange Hydropower plant will enable the surrounded people to access to electricity easily, as the power produced will be used locally as off-grid system and fed to national grid when people in remote areas are all accessed. During my research, Mwange water flow rate was measured using the floating method and specific instrument called flow tracker was used. Water flow rate found was 1.5m3/s when flow tracker was used and by floating method the water flow was 1.7m3/s, for the accuracy of the instrument used, the flow rate found by flow tracker was considered in calculating power output. The static head was estimated by using a GPS porter where the altitude of the foot and the top are measured and the head is given by difference into levels. The static head computed was found to be 17 m. Finally, the power output of the river was calculated .Considering the overall efficiency of the power plant as 95%, water density as 1000 kg/ m3, the power output was found to be 237.64kW.This power can vary according to the variation of water flow rate or static head. This project will contribute to the goals of Government of Rwanda of reducing poverty and developing the economic as well as sustainable development. The problem of energy crisis and jobless in rural areas of Gicumbi district will be solved and people life style will be improved.