Scoping of Opportunities for Integrating Micro-Hydro Turbines into existing Irrigation Weirs in the Lower Mekong Basin
Location
Lower Mekong Basin (Laos as first focus)
project period
Nov 2012 – Jan 2013
client
GIZ, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
Services provided
Consultancy
Partner organisation
Mekong River Commission MRC Secretariat
In close cooperation with the MRC and its Initiative on Sustainable Hydropower ISH, assessment of possibilities to upgrade irrigation structures for multipurpose use (add hydropower and where possible fish passage structures); proposal of pilot sites and recommendations on how to improve accuracy of estimates for potential sites
Services provided by Skat: field survey of about 10-20 potential sites, analysis and evaluation of information from existing databases and reports, assessment of conditions for off- and on-grid options under current legal framework, proposal of pilot sites
Objective: improve the efficiency of existing irrigation structures through multi-purpose use and enhance knowledge about such alternative electricity generation options
Activities: hydrological and topographic analysis, assess the potential for electricity generation; propose appropriate technologies and options for upgrading existing irrigation structures for hydropower use; develop generic potential layouts and designs; assess potential for combined operation with new fish passage facilities; evaluate possibilities for grid-connection and off-grid use and propose related contractual and management arrangements.
Results: potential for equipping existing irrigation structures with micro-hydropower turbines (supplying electricity to local communities in the vicinity or providing income opportunities for these communities through grid-connection) is roughly assessed and about 3 potential pilot sites are proposed.