Feasibility Study of Hydropower

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Feasibility study is a process of finding a feasible project for further development. This term should keep in mind of all engineers. As I know many works done by consultant always have a conclusion that the site is feasible for further development. In this case is a feasibility study of Mini-hydropower. This conclusion shall refer to real finding and thorough study and not just to get a job. If the findings show that the site is not feasible then the conclusion should say NOT feasible and need to find another location to be studied. Do not ever compromise with quality. In the same time, we may offer another location to be studied that maybe accepted by client.

In the field of hydropower especially Mini-hydropower (1-10 MW), I found that this business is booming in Indonesia. After government  has decided to increase the feed-in tariff to USD 0.12 / kWh, many investors interested to invest in this field. Furthermore, this chance has attracted the local proponents to bridging between investors and local government. So, a simple and rough pre-feasibility were conducted by them and sent it to investors. For example, they mentioned that in the specific river has potential of Mini-hydropower with capacity of 9MW. With knowing the feed-in tariff, for sure the investors would interest with that proposal. After checking the potential location it was found that actually the potential power is not 9MW. Furthermore to generate 5MW it is much difficult to be realised.

Technical aspect is important but there are some other factors that much influencing the successful of project i.e. local government. Local government plays an important role to the successful of mini-hydropower development. When an investor interested to develop hydropower, they will come to the local government to assess their area whether has a potential for developing hydropower. If the local government is good, then they will proceed the permits accordingly otherwise they will ask something in such a way they gonna get money (i.e. corruption).