Abstract
In Ethiopia, several Micro hydropower (MHP) schemes were constructed between the year 1950 and 1970. One of the Micro hydropower schemes constructed within this period was Huluka Micro-hydropower. However, it is no longer operational nowadays due to some issues and problems. Hence, this research study aimed to assess the causes of failure and estimating the potential power of Huluka micro hydropower. The overall existing condition of the components of the Micro hydropower plants evaluated as to functionality and its physical measurements, including the identification of the potential factors responsible for the failure of the Micro hydropower. From the flow duration curve of Huluka River, it indicated a maximum and the minimum potential power of the scheme of about 1313.23kw, and 274.41 kW, respectively. Hence, it is postulated that rehabilitation of Huluka MHP could provide a solution to the current shortage and interruption of power supply in Ambo town as well as its surrounding areas.
Highlights
The demand for energy is growing throughout the world as energy is the backbone of the growth of a nation
In East Africa, Ethiopia has a reasonably high-installed capacity of 80 MW of stand-alone microand pico-hydropower plants [2]. This gives the opportunity to supply the base-load electricity to the main industrial locations and the city of capital Addis Ababa and export the remaining to the neighboring countries which can boost the country's earnings from foreign export
The majority of previous studies focus on the economic feasibility of rehabilitating Huluka microhydro power, but this study aimed at assessing the cause of failure of previously installed Huluka micro hydropower
Summary
The demand for energy is growing throughout the world as energy is the backbone of the growth of a nation. A combination of increasing population growth rate, desire for an improved standard of living, and public policy have increased interest in green energy sources. Reliable access to electricity is basic preconditioning to improve people's lives in rural and urban areas, for enhanced health care, education, and for growth within local economies [1]. In East Africa, Ethiopia has a reasonably high-installed capacity of 80 MW of stand-alone microand pico-hydropower plants [2]. This gives the opportunity to supply the base-load electricity to the main industrial locations and the city of capital Addis Ababa and export the remaining to the neighboring countries which can boost the country's earnings from foreign export.
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