Project Description:
Study and comparison of the technical options for generating electricity, including a small hydro power plant, extension of the National Electricity Grid and realization of a mini-grid based on solar energy and individual systems and possibly other renewable energy sources.
The services have been carried out successfully in the period from June to November 2019.
Details of the Run-of-the-River Project:
Design flow: 5 m3/s
Gross head: 277 m
Penstock diameter: 1500/1400/1300 mm
Canal length: 1471 m
Penstock length: 1320 m
Turbine: 2 x Pelton
Yearly energy production:
49,000,000 kWh
Electric capacity: 11.2 MW
Details of the Solar Based Generation System :
A centric solar hybrid generation system and a MV distribution system to reach to the users have been chosen. The power generation plant will be a hybrid PV-battery system that will provide electricity 24/7. The PV component shall be sized to meet the energy demand during sunny hours whereas a battery storage will supply electricity during the night and in case of low irradiation. Finally, a diesel genset will constitute a back-up component.
Daily Energy Demand = 100.026 kWh
Installed power (appliances) = 178 kW
Peak power (load profile) = 70 kW
Distribution grid (see the map in the project's gallery):
27 km MV 33kV (green) and 19 km LV (blue)
Activities Performed:
- Energy needs assessment, load forecast, socio-economic impact analysis for 8 rural settlements in the area
- Feasibility study of 8 villages solar PV mini-grids, technical and economic analysis and plans.
- Generation and distribution system sizing for total 365 kWp PV power, 680 kWh of storage capacity, 20km of LV overhead lines.
- Mini-grids integration with the hydropower plant and configuration analysis of the interconnection lines;
- Optimization the best generation option and sizing of the various components of the venture, including transmission and distribution lines;
- Technical study of alternative solutions for the different components of the hydroelectric power plant, including low and medium voltage lines;
- Feasibility study and design of the Nintulo Hydropower Plant. Cost of about 26 million USD.
- Investment, operation and maintenance costs for the different options;
- Hydropower plant management model indicating the profile of the necessary technical staff with respective tasks and the financial management model;
- Preliminary Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of the 8 solar PV mini-grids and of the hydropower plant and recommended steps forward to implementation
