Abstract
An assessment of hydropower potential at the watershed scale was conducted at the White Bandama Watershed (WBW) in Côte d'Ivoire (West Africa). The method used involves the application of a hydrological model [Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)] coupled with a Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), denoted as QSWAT, to assess the water resource availability and hydropower potential of streams and determine potential hydropower sites for future hydropower development in the watershed. Geospatial data about the topography, soil types, land use/land cover, weather, and discharge were considered in hydrological and hydro-geomorphological characterization of the watershed. Streamflow and climate data-enabled model operation and simulation of the hydrology of the watershed. The model performance and robustness were confirmed with the p-factor, r-factor, coefficient of determination R2, and Nash–Sutcliffe (NS) efficiency coefficient. The hydropower potential of streams was evaluated by considering the simulated streamflow and water head. A total of 22 future hydropower sites was identified, geolocated, and classified with an estimated total production capacity of 538.56 MW.
Highlights
Hydropower is considered as a clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy source (Berga, 2016; Kayastha et al, 2018) depending on the size of the plant
The results indicated three (3) types of hydropower potential sites in the White Bandama Watershed (WBW): small-hydropower potential sites accounting for 82% of all hydropower potential sites, medium-hydropower potential sites accounting for 9% of all hydropower potential sites, and large-hydropower potential sites accounting for 9% of all hydropower potential sites (Figures 13, 14)
The purpose of this study was to apply a hydrological model combined with geographic information system (GIS) technology (QSWAT) to assess the hydropower potential and identify probable hydropower sites for future hydropower development
Summary
Hydropower is considered as a clean, renewable, and environmentally friendly energy source (Berga, 2016; Kayastha et al, 2018) depending on the size of the plant. Previous studies in hydropower projects proposed a methodology to investigate hydropower potential The researchers such as Dudhani et al (2006), Belmonte et al (2009), Rojanamon et al (2009), and Yi et al (2010) highlighted the importance of GIS technology, geospatial analysis and remote sensing data in the selection of potential sites for future development of hydropower, for small hydropower projects.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
