Feasibility study of micro-hydropower resources at three selected mini-grids sites for potential integration of micro-hydro with solar mini-grids

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dc.contributor.authorSekaleli, Mamokhomo Mateboho
dc.contributor.supervisorKhaba, L
dc.contributor.supervisorMakhele, M
dc.contributor.supervisorSahar, T
dc.date.accessioned2026-06-16T11:16:39Z
dc.date.available2026-06-16T11:16:39Z
dc.date.issued2022
dc.description.abstractThe study investigated the availability of water resources in three (3) sites earmarked for solar mini grids development for potential integration with micro-hydro power to form a hybrid system. Geographic Information System (GIS) together with other tools were used to select the study sites based on the availability of water resources, population size, accessibility, catchment area and availability of hydrometric stations. The three selected sites were Matsoaing, Sehonghong and Mashai. Flow rates data for the rivers near the study sites was acquired from the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) and Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and processed in Microsoft Excel to find the average flow rates for development of Flow Duration Curves and determination of design flows. Topographic maps, GIS and other GIS tools were used to evaluate the available heads at the three study sites. Based on the average flow rates, available heads, gravitational force and density of water, the maximum hydropower that can be produced in Matsoaing, Mashai and Sehonghong was found to be 171.71 kW, 44.15 kW and 3,112.63 kW, respectively. The study further assessed the possibility of hybridization of micro-hydropower with solar mini grids using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables (HOMER). HOMER software assesses the feasibility and profitability of renewable energy systems. Net Present Cost (NPC) has been used as the main selection criteria for the optimum system. Based on the available solar radiation and water resources, system components costs and specifications, together with different sensitivity variable values, the NPC-optimized systems for all the three sites were found to be PV-hydro-diesel hybrid systems. The Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and NPC of the systems were found to be $0.184 and $79.184 for Matsoaing, $0.666 and $375,411 for Mashai and lastly $0.483 and $369,725 for Sehonghong.
dc.description.sponsorshipNational Manpower Development Secretariat
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14155/2347
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherNational University of Lesotho
dc.titleFeasibility study of micro-hydropower resources at three selected mini-grids sites for potential integration of micro-hydro with solar mini-grids
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