Abstract
In Nepal, Micro-Hydropower Plants (MHP) provide electricity to the local communities across Nepal. It is common for these plants to be run-of-river dams which generate up to 100 kW of electricity. Aside from the benefits, there is a current assumption that these MHP have negligible environmental impact on the river they operate on. Reflected by the lack of literature researching the environmental impacts of MHP, it is crucial to assess the environmental impacts associated with the operation of the MHP. Therefore, this paper focuses on reviewing the methods that could be used to determine if MHP harm the environment. The methods included in this paper include in-situ and remote methods, which could be applied in Nepal as part of future research. Each method found was compared with a set of criteria to determine if the method was suitable for application in Nepal. Case studies were carried out within the UK to evaluate two methods, Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) and RIVERCONN for applicability in Nepal. IHA uses daily flow data to assess changes in flow regime and RIVERCONN assesses river fragmentation within a river basin using spatial data. It was determined that IHA would not be suitable as it requires large amounts of river flow data that is difficult to f ind in Nepal. However, RIVERCONN is suitable as the data required is easily accessible. Additionally, the method of in-situ sampling and analysis was determined to be suitable for application in Nepal as it fulfilledall the criteria for a method to be suitable. The conclusion of this paper is for future research to focus on implementing remote methods such as RIVERCONN and in-situ methods such as water quality testing. These methods will allow evaluation of whether MHP has an environmental impact on the river.
| Date of Award | 1 Oct 2024 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Williamson S. J. (Supervisor) & Colin Nolden (Supervisor) |