Evaluation of the Flow Potential of Urasi Stream in Ezeoke Nsu for Small-Scale Hydropower Development

Chijioke C.D; Chiwetalu U.J; Agu E. C; Eje B.E; Ikpeama C.L

doi:10.56201/wjimt.v10.no2.2026.pg291.303

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Evaluation of the Flow Potential of Urasi Stream in Ezeoke Nsu for Small-Scale Hydropower Development

Chijioke C.D, Chiwetalu U.J,Agu E. C, Eje B.E, and Ikpeama C.L

Abstract

The current power crisis in Nigeria can be tackled by the development of small/mini and micro hydroelectric schemes especially where the resources are available. Small hydropower schemes guarantee uninterruptible power supply because of the sustainable flow of the water resource on which the design is based. Urashi Stream is substantially sustained by ground water flow and the nearest load centre, Ezeoke is within 1.5km radius of the scheme. The topography of the study area is generally flat and higher heads required for higher power generation can only be achieved by modifying the topography. Urashi stream has a power potential of 175KW which is less than 1MW and therefore classified as a mini hydropower. It has a maximum discharge of 8.5m3/s, average discharge of 6.9m3/s, minimum discharge of 4.27m3/s and a design discharge of 6.37m3/s. These flows can be harnessed to generate power. The power demand for Ezeoke is 128KW and the Industrial/ Agricultural demand is 16KW which is about 83% and 10% respectively of the actual power generation. The maximum achievable power without modifying the topography at a head of 3.63m is 154KW. This implies that the hydropower scheme for Urashi Stream if developed can sustain both the domestic and industrial power demand for Ezeoke village where the site is located. Keyword: Urasi Stream, Ezeoke Nsu, Mini Hydro Power

References

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Evaluation of the Flow Potential of Urasi Stream in Ezeoke Nsu for Small-Scale Hydropower Development

Abstract

References

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