Matching the Energy Demand of Surrounding Villages with Hydropower Potential of the Un-Gauged Myombwe River

Abstract

Energy demand of twelve villages surrounding Magunguli waterfalls along un-gauged Myombwe River was assessed and matched with energy hydropower potential available. Estimation of the energy demand for the villages around was done by using diversity factor analysis covering common factors for grouped potential users. A questionnaire was used to find the number of potential electricity users in these twelve villages. Then diversified unit load and group diversity factors for classified loads were used to actual power demand. The study area has 3,747 households, while dispensaries are 8. In addition to that, there are 17 primary schools and 4 secondary schools. The current power demand of twelve villages is 1,569.24 kW. Energy demand forecast shows that, the demand will grow to 7,846.2 kW after four years will be 33,924.16 kW after 25 years. It was also noted that the average consumption for a household is 129.4 W. For education sector, the total demand is 122 kW at an average of 5,851 W per school. Commercial uses have the total demand of 790.34 kW while for public services total demand is 171.82 kW. With the gross head of 636 m and 1.98 m³/s discharge, hydropower potential of Myombwe River was realized to be 9,388.68 kW. Therefore, this power generation can suffice optimum energy demand of the twelve villages for 4 years. Thereafter, additional source of power may be required.

Keywords: Hydropower potential, energy demand, un-gauged river.