Small hydropower for rural electrification in South Africa - using experiences from other African countries

Abstract

Local hydropower sources can play an important role in the electrification of rural areas in South Africa remote from the national electricity grid. To ensure the sustainability of hydropower developments it is essential that lessons learned in other African countries are taken on board. As the potential for small hydropower (schemes with an installed capacity of less than 10 MW) is typically found away from the larger population areas it is a very suitable energy source for rural electrification purposes. It can be used either as standalone power source or in hybrid systems with other energy sources. Mini grids powered by hydropower can be designed in such a way that they will be able to feed into the grid once that has reached its location. This paper reviews the current situation with respect to small hydropower development for rural electrification in other African countries. It specifically looks at the implementation models used and the associated governance issues, in light of the sustainable operation of the plants. The paper will draw conclusions on the merits of different implementation models in relation to the sustainable development of small hydropower and identifies lessons learned for the implementation of small hydropower in South Africa.