Small Hydropower: A Sustainable Alternative Solution to Energy Challenges in Imo State
By Christopher Ononukwe
Although power supply is still a vital component of economic growth and development, many parts of Nigeria, particularly Imo State, still struggle with its insufficiency and unpredictability. Although wind and solar energy are frequently promoted as renewable energy sources, small hydropower (SHP) is a more dependable, efficient, and sustainabl State f option. Small hydropower uses the kinetic energy of flowing water to generate clean, renewable electricity, in contrast to fossil fuel-dependent power generation, which depletes limited resources and contributes to environmental damage. To put it simply, even though solar energy is abundant, it is very reliant on the weather and needs a large amount of storage space to guarantee a steady supply. Contrarily, wind energy depends on steady wind speeds, which are not always predictable. Installing both energy sources to give energy to Imo people requires a lot of land, which is problematic in places with high population densities. It is not a matter of picking between solar, wind, or hydropower in the global shift to renewable energy to meet the SDGs; rather, it is a matter of combining these technologies to produce a sustainable and well-balanced energy mix. As a fundamental component of sustainable development, hydropower merits a prominent position in this mix due to its distinct advantages.
Small hydropower, on the other hand, provides continuous energy generation while causing minimum environmental impact. Unlike large-scale hydropower projects, which necessitate big dams and widespread land floods, small hydropower plants use run-of-the-river systems that do not harm aquatic habitats or relocate communities. Furthermore, hydropower plants have long lifespans—often more than 50 years—and require less maintenance than solar panels and wind turbines, which degrade faster due to exposure to harsh weather conditions.
Furthermore, small hydropower plants can act as decentralized power sources in rural areas, minimizing dependency on the overburdened national grid. Imo State can generate a consistent power supply to support industries, businesses, and families, resulting in economic growth and improved quality of life for its citizens.
Just last year, I had the opportunity to participate in the "Seminar on Green Transformation, Modernization, and Upgrading of Small Hydropower" in China. The two-week program, organized by the National Research Institute for Rural Electrification (Hangzhou Regional Center, Asia-Pacific) and sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, gave us extensive theoretical and practical experience in China's small hydropower sector. Credit to Huawei Technologies Company, the facilitators of the program! The essence of the program is to foster relationships between Imo State Government and Huawei under the platform provided by the Chinese Government. We learned about small hydropower resources as a dependable, renewable energy source through classroom presentations, networking, and study tours to significant hydropower stations, including the well-known Three Gorges Area and Laoshikan Hydropower Station. We also toured the famous West Lake and Tianmu Mount Range. The seminar emphasized the significance of green initiatives and China's role in developing a self-sufficient, energy-secure economy. Today, China leads the world in small hydropower through strategic planning, research, innovation, funding, and implementation.
Numerous water bodies, such as the Njaba River, Oguta Lake, Imo River, Otamiri River, Nwaorie River, and the Inyishi Dam, are naturally present in Imo State. The state's power supply might be greatly enhanced if these water bodies' unrealized potential for small hydropower generation is completely exploited. Under the leadership of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Imo State Government has recognized all these abundant water deposits and has taken admirable steps to improve power generation, notably the Orashi Independent Electricity Project. To overcome the state's energy shortfall, a more aggressive approach to using hydropower is still required.
The effective exploitation of small hydropower requires a robust, active legal and regulatory framework, including strengthened policies and institutions like the Ministry of Water Resources with its agencies. Nigeria's power industry is regulated by laws that support the growth of renewable energy. The Nigerian Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC), which was founded by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, is in charge of granting licenses, establishing rates, and encouraging competition in the energy sector. Furthermore, strategic guidelines for incorporating small hydropower and other renewable energy sources into Nigeria's energy mix are provided by the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP) and the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP).
The Imo State Government has taken decisive action to promote investments in renewable energy at the state level. To promote renewable energy projects throughout the state, the Imo State Renewable Energy and Rural Electrification Board (IREREB) was founded. The state can further attract investors and public-private partnerships to create small hydropower projects that will benefit both rural, semi-urban and urban communities in accordance with federal laws. For example, the government has already taken bold steps for the development of small hydropower by using Nwaorie River in Owerri. This project may be realized with proper strategic actions serving as a template for other initiatives throughout the state. Hope can do!
Increased collaboration with international organizations and development partners, like the Chinese government, is also essential to fully realize the potential of small hydropower in Imo State. Knowledge and technology transfer from China with sophisticated small hydropower systems can hasten the development of this sector in Imo State, and PPPs should be promoted to take advantage of both public resources and private sector experience.
While stakeholder engagement and public awareness are equally important, many rural communities in Imo State are unaware of the benefits of small hydropower and may oppose projects because of misconceptions. Sensitizing residents about the benefits of small hydropower will encourage cooperation, acceptance, ownership and sustainability.
One reliable and long-term solution to Imo State's ongoing energy challenges is small hydropower. Yes, it offers a dependable, affordable, and ecologically friendly alternative for power produced by petroleum and other renewable energy sources. Imo State can set the standard or join the rest for the use of renewable energy and give its citizens a better, more secure future by adopting small hydropower. Now is the moment to take action. Let us use our rivers and other bodies of water to illuminate Imo State, spur economic expansion, and raise everyone's standard of living. The Shared Prosperity Government has come to stay!
Christopher Ononukwe writes via Christopherononukwe@gmail.com
Visit our website at www.ansamediahun.net for more news update across the globe
Post a Comment
0Comments