Small/medium scale hydropower implementation in developing countries: A Rwandan case study

Abstract: Small scale hydropower is one of the most cost-effective energy technologies to be considered for electrification in developing countries. The technology is very robust and mature so systems can last up to 50 years with little maintenance. Moreover, it has low environmental impacts and can have a significant benefit if implemented in rural areas for electricity production, either in on or off grid applications.The thesis reviews several small scale hydropower projects, in order to identify potential risks and propose guidelines to help future implementation of this technology in a better way than the one currently done. An on-going project was taken as a case study to identify different elements that have to be present in the planning and future development of small scale hydro projects in developing countries. Technical, managerial, socio-economical and environmental aspects around the project were analyzed within a sustainability framework.