A review of low head hydropower technologies and applications in a South African context

Abstract

This paper provides a review of available low head hydropower technologies, followed by the identification of sites where the technologies can be implemented, applied specifically to a South African context. The potential sites where low head hydropower can be installed in South Africa are grouped as follows: dams and barrages (retrofitting); rivers; irrigation systems (canals and conduits); and urban areas (industrial and urban discharge, storm water systems and water distribution systems). Keywords: low head hydropower, review, hydropower potential