Small Hydro Power Viability Assessment of Elemi River in Ekiti State of Nigeria

A stable, reliable and uninterrupted power supply is one of the basic requirement for economic, social and industrial growth of any nation. Electricity generation capacity in Nigeria is grossly insufficient for the growing demand and there is a need to incorporate small hydropower (SHP) schemes which can be installed in some of the available rivers and streams that are scattered around the country to complement the energy shortage and deficiency. This paper investigated the viability of Elemi river, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria for a small hydropower scheme as a possible source of off-grid electricity generation to solve the incessant power outages in the three major higher institutions within its catchment. The power demand of the three higher institutions was estimated using questionnaires. The hydrological data for the study area for 11 years spanning 2005 to 2015 were collected and analyzed to determine the flow duration curve (FDC). The mean average velocity of the stream was calculated as 1.21m/s, with average annual flow discharge of 45.9 m3/s, and an average minimal flow of 9.1 m3/s. The average mean estimated hydro power potential obtainable using a diversion scheme is 2.21MW. It was discovered that the yield capacity of Elemi river for power generation with a diversion scheme could not provide the power requirement for any of the 3 higher institutions within its course due to its relatively flat terrain with the maximum derivable head of 8 m. A recommendation for the construction of a dam for an impounded scheme with a minimum gross head of 20 m, which adequately serve the needs, of at least one of the Institutions is made.