Assessment of the hydropower potential of River Inyau in Terego District, West Nile Region

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of developing a small hydropower plant (SHP) on the ungauged River Inyau in Terego District, focusing on four key objectives: determining water availability, estimating electricity demand, developing a preliminary design for the hydropower plant, and conducting an economic analysis. Hydrological assessments were performed to gauge water availability, utilizing flow estimation methods suitable for ungauged rivers. This confirms that the River Inyau has adequate flow to sustain power generation throughout the year. The electricity demand for the Imvepi community in Terego District was estimated based on population growth, daily consumption patterns, and existing grid access. These estimations show a growing demand for reliable, renewable energy sources, making the hydropower project vital for meeting the community's needs. A preliminary hydropower plant design was developed, including civil, mechanical, and electrical components, with an estimated project investment cost of $6,961,770, corresponding to $2,253/kW. A breakdown of costs reveals that civil works and electromechanical components account for 43.6% and 40.6% of the total investment, respectively. The economic analysis, performed using a 9.75% discount rate, resulted in a net present value (NPV) of $670,074.29 and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 11%, confirming the project's financial viability. These results indicate that the development of a hydropower plant on River Inyau is both technically feasible and economically sustainable, offering a renewable energy solution to meet the electricity demand of the Imvepi community. The study provides a foundation for future hydropower projects in similar ungauged river basins, contributing to sustainable energy development in the region.