Using ArcGIS for Optimal Location of Small Hydropower Sites in Nigeria for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper focuses on the prospects of small hydropower plants (SHP) in Nigeria and utilizes ArcGIS software for analysing the country's hydropower energy potential. The analysis conducted using ArcGIS reveals the significant SHP potential in various states across Nigeria. By overlaying water areas and waterline data on maps, potential sites for SHP are identified, particularly in states such as Borno, Niger, Edo, Anambra, and Jigawa. Further analysis was done using data for water lines in Nigeria converted into shaped files for the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with the various states and local government areas, to provide expanded views for different possible schemes for SHP. Data set were built up for the different geopolitical zones and statistical analyses were done for SHP potentials. Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) tool on ArcGIS was used for interpolations to indicate places that are good for locating dam schemes for hydropower production as well as other schemes that require less water storage for small hydropower production. Additionally, it was determined which zones in which each state excelled in terms of availability of inland waters and lands susceptible to inundation. There were also some significant difficulties and potential in evaluating Nigeria's small hydropower projects using ArcGIS.