Estimating Hydropower Potential of an Ungauged Stream

This paper present a simple method of assessing hydropower generation potential of an ungauged Stream/River. Sites on Rukarara and Mushishito in the southern province of Rwanda were selected as case studies. The approach uses flow data of an analogue site to generate the data of an ungauged river. During the study a reconnaissance field visits were conducted. The concerned catchments were delineated and characterized based on elevations, landuses, rainfall and soils types. GIS technology was used for characterization. Relative positions of the component of the hydropower plant and it net available head was proposed using topographic map and the contour map of the study area developed with the help of Digital Elevation Model in ArcGIS. Net head and design discharges were determined and the hydropower potentials for the two sites were estimated. The presented methodology could be applied during pre-feasibility study to facilitate preliminary technical and socio-economic analysis before conducting detail investigation. Keywords—ArcGIS, DEM, Hydropower Potential, Mushishito, Rukarara, Rwanda, Ungauged Stream/River.