Feasibility Study of Micro-Hydropower Generation for a Rural Community in Taraba State

This study investigates the feasibility of micro-hydropower generation to provide electricity for a rural community in Taraba State, North East Nigeria, leveraging the state's abundant river systems and significant elevation gradients in its highland areas. Taraba State contains several perennial rivers with substantial flow rates year-round, representing an underutilised renewable energy resource for off-grid rural electrification. The Gashaka River tributary in Gashaka Gumti Local Government Area was selected as the study site based on preliminary hydrological surveys indicating average dry-season flow rates above 0.8 m3/s and an available gross head of 22 metres. A detailed feasibility assessment was conducted covering hydrological analysis, turbine selection, civil works requirements, load assessment of the target community, and financial viability. The community load assessment identified 120 households, a health centre, and a primary school with a combined peak demand of 35kW and average daily consumption of 280kWh. A crossflow turbine with a rated output of 45kW was selected based on the site's head-flow characteristics. HOMER Pro modelling confirms the system can meet 98 percent of community load with excess power available for productive uses. Financial analysis yields a levelised cost of energy of 28 naira per kWh and a simple payback period of 6.4 years under a community cooperative ownership model. Civil works account for 62 percent of total project cost, with penstock fabrication being the dominant cost driver. Recommendations include application to the Rural Electrification Agency's funding window for micro-hydro projects. Keywords: micro-hydropower, rural electrification, feasibility study, Taraba State, river energy.