Progress for On-Grid Renewable Energy Systems: Identification of Sustainability Factors for Small-Scale Hydropower in Rwanda
Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2021
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.
Africa
sustainability factors
small-scale hydropower plants
on-grid systems
Rwanda
smart grids
Författare
Geoffrey Gasore
University of Rwanda
Helene Ahlborg
Chalmers, Teknikens ekonomi och organisation, Environmental Systems Analysis
Etienne Ntagwirumugara
University of Rwanda
Daniel Zimmerle
Colorado State University
Energies
1996-1073 (ISSN) 19961073 (eISSN)
Vol. 14 4 826Drivkrafter
Hållbar utveckling
Ämneskategorier
Energiteknik
Energisystem
Styrkeområden
Energi
DOI
10.3390/en14040826