Reservoir operation simulation for existing and planned hydropower projects on the Niger and Benue catchments in Nigeria

Abstract

In 2015/16, a hydropower site screening study was undertaken in Nigeria on the main stem of the Niger River and in the Benue River basin. The study assessed small (5-20 MW installed capacity), medium (20-100 MW) and large projects (> 100 MW) focusing on hydropower sites with potential multipurpose benefits. In the final stage of the study, three sites (two medium and one large project) were recommended for future development by the Government of Nigeria in liaison with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA). The study covered: Simulations of energy production and water demand satisfaction using the MIKE HYDRO Basin software. The modelling approach was based on maximizing energy production and maintaining a target mean load factor. (1) Impacts of reservoir development on hydropower production benefits, downstream flow variability, navigation downstream for three time horizons: current, mid development and maximum potential development. (2) Sensitivity analyses of water availability risks for hydropower generation for the three selected sites considering possible future abstractions and projected climate change. (3) Optimization of the use of the River Niger’s White flood in Nigeria and study of the augmentation of the Kainji HPP in order to mitigate the potential future production losses due to upstream developments/abstractions outside Nigeria.