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Research and development aspects of pico-hydro power

Author

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  • Lahimer, A.A.
  • Alghoul, M.A.
  • Sopian, K.
  • Amin, Nowshad
  • Asim, Nilofar
  • Fadhel, M.I.

Abstract

Intensive explorations of different alternatives and renewable energy resources are currently being conducted worldwide. Pico-hydro power is at the forefront of these options because it is considered as the most cost-effective renewable energy option to provide electricity for rural areas, and to enable energy to be derived from extremely low head and flow streams of 1m and 1L/s, respectively. This review discusses the research and development aspects of pico-hydro and the factors influencing the success of the pico-hydro scheme in rural areas. These factors are also likely to increase the demand for pico in a rural energy market. This paper concurs with the view held by many researchers and experts that customs duty imposed on pico-hydro components is a major obstacle to the dissemination of renewable energy because it raises original cost by up to 40%. The future of the pico-hydro market looks prosperous because there is substantial availability of low head and flow hydroelectric sites in less developed countries. In the future, technology can play a crucial role in the lighting of houses in remote communities, with the energy source derived from domestic water supply.

Suggested Citation

  • Lahimer, A.A. & Alghoul, M.A. & Sopian, K. & Amin, Nowshad & Asim, Nilofar & Fadhel, M.I., 2012. "Research and development aspects of pico-hydro power," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(8), pages 5861-5878.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:16:y:2012:i:8:p:5861-5878
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2012.05.001
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    7. Li, Yun & Li, Yanbin & Ji, Pengfei & Yang, Jing, 2015. "The status quo analysis and policy suggestions on promoting China׳s hydropower development," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 51(C), pages 1071-1079.
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    13. Powell, D. & Ebrahimi, A. & Nourbakhsh, S. & Meshkahaldini, M. & Bilton, A.M., 2018. "Design of pico-hydro turbine generator systems for self-powered electrochemical water disinfection devices," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 590-602.
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    15. Taitiya Kenneth Yuguda & Sunday Adiyoh Imanche & Tian Ze & Tosin Yinka Akintunde & Bobby Shekarau Luka, 2023. "Hydropower development, policy and partnership in the 21st century: A China-Nigeria outlook," Energy & Environment, , vol. 34(4), pages 1170-1204, June.
    16. Lahimer, A.A. & Alghoul, M.A. & Yousif, Fadhil & Razykov, T.M. & Amin, N. & Sopian, K., 2013. "Research and development aspects on decentralized electrification options for rural household," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 314-324.
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