Sustainable Hydropower in West Africa

Planning, Operation, and Challenges

Amos T. Kabo-Bah, Chukwuemeka J. Diji

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2018
• ISBN:
  9780128130179
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Renewable Power Resources
• Index: Technology & Engineering

Sustainable Hydropower in West Africa: Planning, Operation, and Challenges provides a comprehensive overview of the planning, deployment and management of hydropower in West Africa and similar regions. The authors use a practical approach to analyze available technology, modeling methodologies and sustainability aspects, such as the dependence between climate and hydropower, and socio-economic and environmental impacts. They discuss the need for innovative solutions and how to close research gaps in the field for this region. Although more than 50% of West Africa's hydropower potential is still untapped, re-engineering and maintenance of existing hydropower plants is a key issue and is discussed.

Issues of productivity and optimization are also covered, as well as the introduction of new technology and integration of hydropower into existing energy systems—renewable energy systems, in particular. Policy and regulation are also examined, considering competing needs when managing water resources. The final chapter offers a summary of activities, strategies, policies and technology for easy reference and practical use.

Due to its wide coverage and real life examples, this is a useful reference for engineering professionals in the field of hydropower, working in West Africa and regions with similar conditions. This book helps engineers make technology and location decisions for planning, deploying and operating hydropower plants. The book's accessible language and international authorship also allows for easy use by energy researchers, analysts and policy makers who need information for the analysis, modeling, financing, implementation and regulation of hydropower in West Africa and related regions.

• Presents the most current issues related to hydropower deployment and management in West Africa and regions with similar conditions
• Discusses key challenges, focusing on practical aspects and methodologies
• Explores the technological, sustainability and economic aspects to be considered when deploying, operating and maintaining hydropower plants in West Africa and similar regions

Chapter 1

Climate Change and Hydrovision

Derrick M.A. Sowa*; Basil Amuzu-Sefordzi*; Thelma D. Baddoo*; Mark Amo-Boateng^†; Martin K. Domfeh^{† ⁎} Hohai University, Nanjing, China
^† University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

Abstract

This chapter highlights the climate change situation and the hydrovision of the African continent. Much emphasis has been laid on the Ghanaian context with the design of a prototype (i.e., the design) of a novel marine energy conversion system that makes use of both wave and ocean current conversion techniques to generate electric power in Ghana. The feasibility of installing this conversion system in the Eastern Coastal Zone of Ghana, as well as its environmental and economic assessments indicates that Ghana possesses the potential, even with regard to the projected impacts of climate change. The coastal geomorphology, seabed topography, and the local met-ocean patterns favor the implementation of this system. The economic appraisal shows that with the appropriate measures, Ghana could offset this endeavor. With the available modern technologies as well as the challenges confronting the national grid, the conversion system is designed to operate off-grid. Pursuing this endeavor is a worthwhile investment in the long term due to the gradual reduction of the electric power deficit in the country, low environmental impacts, potential economic dexterity, and the boundless source of marine energy.

Keywords

Renewable energy; Marine energy; Wave energy conversion device; Coastal erosion; Climate change

Chapter Outline

• 1. Introduction
• 2. The Current State and Prospects of Hydropower Development in Africa
• 3. Climate Change and Energy Production in Ghana
  • 3.1 Country Profile and Electric Power Production
  • 3.2 Climate Change Impacts
  • 3.3 Alternative Energy Sources—Renewable Energy
• 4. Marine Energy Conversion Systems
  • 4.1 Prototype (Initial Design) of a Novel Marine Energy Conversion System
  • 4.2 Compatibility of the System in Ghana
• 5. Conclusion
• References

1 Introduction

Demand for energy and related services, to meet socioeconomic development and improve human health and welfare, is growing. All societies have need of both energy resources and services to meet basic human needs and also facilitate productive practices (IPCC, 2011). The global energy consumption is estimated to rise significantly in the coming years (Crabtree et al., 2004; Edwards et al., 2008; McDowall and Eames, 2006). Most parts of Euro-Asia and The Americas (particularly, North America) have impressive electrification. In contrast, as many as two billion people worldwide lack electricity today (Flavin and O’Meara, 1997). IRENA (2013) has revealed that over 67% of sub-Saharan Africans lack access to electricity, and as rapid population growth in developing countries continues, the demand for electricity will almost certainly rise.

The adverse impacts of traditional and accustomed energy sources—oil, coal, and natural gas—are detrimental to economic progress, the environment, and sustainability of humans (Akella et al., 2009); and as dynamic as the world and technology is, there has been the subtle evolution of energy production from renewable resources. The potential of renewable energy sources is massive as they can standardly meet many times the world’s energy demand (Akella et al., 2009). Different forms of renewable energy can supply electricity, thermal energy, and mechanical energy, as well as produce fuels that are able to fulfill multiple energy service needs (IPCC, 2011). Renewable energy has been deliberated as one of the strong contenders to improve the predicament of two billion people, mostly in rural regions, without access to modern forms of energy (Mundial, 1996; Painuly, 2001). Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, modern bioenergy, hydropower, and marine energy are currently contributing about two percent of the world’s total energy demand and continue to increase as the costs of, for example, solar and wind power systems, have declined substantially in the past 30 years, and continue to drop, while the price of oil and gas keeps fluctuating (Akella et al., 2009).

Marine energy conversion technology is one of the renewable resources that have received widespread attention in different parts of the world. Although this technology is in its early stages, particularly ocean wave energy, the idea of energy extraction from the ocean is not new. Thorpe (1999) estimated that the potential worldwide wave power resource is 2 TW. At the present time, the economic prowess and competitiveness of this resource is nowhere near the traditional and more matured technologies such as wind energy, yet governments and policy makers are showing great interest in this industry due to its sustainability and low environmental impacts. Several countries like the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Norway have had substantial wave power resources and have been in the business of wave energy utilization with support from their respective governments. Accounts from Callaghan and Boud (2006) have demonstrated how much of the current UK electricity demand can be met via wave energy and tidal stream generation....

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Contributors
• Foreword
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: Climate Change and Hydrovision
• Chapter 2: Promoting Research in Sustainable Energy in Africa—The CIRCLE Model
• Chapter 3: Hydropower and the Era of Climate Change and Carbon Financing: The Case From Sub-Saharan Africa
• Chapter 4: Hydropower Development—Review of the Successes and Failures in the World
• Chapter 5: Climate Change and Societal Change—Impact on Hydropower Energy Generation
• Chapter 6: Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
• Chapter 7: The Potential and the Economics of Hydropower Investment in West Africa
• Chapter 8: Hydropower Generation and Its Related Impacts on Aquatic Life (Fisheries)
• Chapter 9: Socioeconomic Impacts of the Bui Hydropower Dam on the Livelihood of Women and Children
• Chapter 10: Peri-urban Households’ Constraints to Water Security and Changing Economic Needs Under Climate Variability in Ghana
• Chapter 11: Legislation on Hydropower Use and Development
• Chapter 12: Re-engineering Hydropower Plant for Improved Performance
• Chapter 13: Hydropower Generation in West Africa—The Working Solution Manual
• Index