Small Hydro Plant Planning and Development: A Case Study on Renewable Energy Project Model Ling and Simulation

Small hydropower projects [SHP] are a possible environment friendly solution in developing, hilly countries where small rivers are available, for rural electrification. SHPs have great importance because of their low administrative and executive costs, possibility of using water for drinking and irrigation purposes, suitability for rural areas and low environmental pollutions. SHP constructed at a remote area is capable of supplying electrical power to local consumers through an isolated transmission line which is not grid connected. In the present study an attempt has been made to develop a SHP model by means of carrying out a RETScreen and MATLAB based simulation. Simulation results indicate a possibility that renewable/alternative energy sources will replace the conventional energy sources in near future and standalone applications would be a feasible solution to the problem of distribution of electrical power at remote and distan locations.