Feasible location identification & potential assessment of micro-hydropower:  Gilgel Beles River, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia

Abstract Ethiopia is endowed with huge natural resources especially water resources that is why Ethiopia is the water tower of East Africa. But having the capability of generating a huge amount of electricity Ethiopia is under an energy crisis especially the rural peoples of Ethiopia. To overcome this problem utilization of renewable sources of energy like wind, solar and hydro are the best options. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess and identify the micro hydropower potential of the Gilgel-Beles river which is located in the Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz regions of Ethiopia. For data preparation and analysis, Arc GIS, HEC-GEOHMS, and HOMER software were used. Typical energy demand categories (lighting, radio, television, injera Mitad, stove, water pumps, schools, churches, and health centers) for Alefa Kacha Village were considered. The result showed that there is 88% excess energy from Hp site8 to supply other villages in addition to Alefa Kacha. Based on the estimated total technical ROR hydro potential of Gilgel-Beles River 660.01Kw technical power and 5608.222MWh annual energy was determined. The amount of coal or wood that can be saved per year as a result of the energy produced by the potential Micro Hydropower of Gilgel-Beles River is also determined. Finally, 9 sites were identified and a ranking of hydropower sites has been done for decision-makers to make a reasonable decision as to which sites should be given the top priority for future micro hydropower development.