Assessment of Potential of River Lunko, Gidan Kwano (Niger State) for Hydropower Generation and Domestic Water Supply

Abstract

In this study, the hydropower potentials ofstreams in the Gidan Kwano area of the Federal University of Technology, Minna were assessed. The catchment has no stream gauging station. The flow characteristics of the catchment was determined using the flow records 2013 and 2014 from a neighbouring gauging station and discharge area ratio technique. lhe total estimated water yield is 6 million cubic metres. A development scheme for harnessing the water for hydropower and water supply was proposed. Reservoir analysis showed that 1500m3 ofwater per day can be releasedfrom Lunko reservoirfor power generation. This will generate 8.4 Kwhrfor a 4 hour period and provide water to 12,500 persons at consumption rate of 120 liter per capita per day. If these streams are properly harnessed using small hydropower technologies, they can go a long way in solving the waterproblem in the University as well as boosting the available power supply.