Geospatial Assessment of Small Hydropower Potentials In Ogun Watershed For Rural Electrification

Abstract

Purpose: Energy access is one of the challenges confronting Nigeria and many Sub-Saharan African countries. The energy poverty experienced in the country is even more pervasive in the rural communities where only about 36% of the population had access to electricity. With the current improvement in technological advancement in GIS and remote sensing, identifying small hydropower sites have become relatively easier, faster, and cost effective. Small hydropower is a clean renewable and reliable energy alternative that meets the economic and environmental energy policy objectives. This study therefore seeks to explore the viability of the SHP potentials for rural electrification. Design/ methodology/ approach: The quantitative research approach was employed. The study analysed the small hydropower potentials in Ogun watershed using geospatial techniques (Hydrology, Neighbourhood analysis, Watershed analysis) and descriptive statistics to describe the population and energy dynamics of the study area. Findings: The study identified a total of 137 potential hydropower sites with a minimum energy potential of 502 kw and maximum of 5.80 mw. Ogun watershed has 202200kW of potential energy is expected to support the electricity need of 59,471 rural households across ten local government areas in Ogun watershed. Research implications/ limitations: The study concludes that with the abundant water resources available in the country, small hydropower plants are viable option for reducing the energy deficit of the country and can also help in the attainment of sustainable development goals 7 (universal energy access for all). Practical implications/ limitations: The study further posited that the development of small hydropower in Ogun Watershed will reduce the level of energy poverty experienced in the rural communities and stimulates the growth and development of the communities across social, environmental, and economic dimension. Originality: This study was able to estimate the viability of the energy potential identified along Ogun Watershed for rural electrification of communities within 2km radius of the potential site.