Optimization of Hydropower Generation potential of Arjo Dedessa Dam

Abstract Hydropower has been developed to have a positive impact on the quality of life for rural residents in many ways. It offers a wide range of facilities, such as improved lighting, energy for small industries, schools, computer and communication service centers, and clinics. Ethiopia has constructed numerous dams for irrigation and water supply, yet these structures may have untapped potential for other purposes. One example of such a dam is the Arjo Dedessa Irrigation Dam located in western Ethiopia. Advanced optimization models have been developed to maximize the annual energy generation from the Arjo Dedessa Dam, while taking into account restrictions on water release for irrigation and ecological purposes, as well as the need to maintain maximum reservoir yield and storage capacity. The model was analyzed using LINGO software for different probabilities of mean annual inflow exceedance. Two scenarios for hydropower retrofitting were evaluated. The scenario of independent hydropower release with reservoir inflows at 50%, 75%, and 90% probabilities of exceedance results in a total annual hydropower output of 4.8 MW, 4.34 MW, and 0.99 MW, respectively. The matching values for the scenario of complementary hydropower release were 5.27 MW, 4.55 MW, and 1 MW, respectively. The study also measured the potential increase in the reservoir's live storage capacity to 1945.01 Mm3 by utilizing flood storage, which would allow for a maximum draft increase to 285.74 Mm3. With an upper limit on storage and draft, and reservoir inflows with probabilities of exceedance at 50%, 75%, and 90%, the hydropower production increased correspondingly to 6.51 MW, 4.54 MW, and 1.935 MW for the scenario of independent hydropower release arrangement. For the scenario of complimentary hydropower release, the hydropower production improved to 6.75 MW, 4.58 MW, and 1.94 MW respectively. The outcomes specify that the Arjo Dedessa Dam is appropriate for the production of hydroelectric power and that its generation potential is between 6.51 and 6.75 MW.