‘excludes the potential of frontier river reaches attributable to neighbouring countries: ‘Surface rainfall potential : 37 186 MW Surface runoff potential : 18 248 MW Gross river potential mean discharge Gross river potential (50 per cent discharge) Gross river potential (95 per cent discharge) : ‘The gross river potential was calculated over a total river length of 15472 km, giving an average specific value of 0-70 MW/km, considering the mean discharge. The hydrographic network considered from the com putation of theoretical potential is grouped in 37 different river systems, and it was divided by 2209 length profile points. Actual hydropower potential Identifying in a systematic form all possible and tech- nically feasible hydroelectric developments and including all existing projects and schemes, 240 hydropower pro- jects with a total of 431 associated options were defined in the first phase of the study. These were then considered in terms of alternative development chains forthe diferent Projects were defined on the basis of the gross mean potential as given by the multi-annual mean flow, and each project option was evaluated with 15 installed capacities. The total cost for each project variation was estimated from the costs of the constituent elements and where appropriate, by considering any secondary benefits arising from the multipurpose use of water. All project sites were visited, to evaluate the geological conditions and their likely’ influence and costs. ‘The maximum development chains were determined by analysing the possible alternative developments in each basin or system of basins interrelated by diversions. The technical potential of the country is given by the sum of the gross mean potentials of all projects included in the development chains of maximum potential The economic evaluation of the defined projects and hence, of the optional development chains, taking into account project. interdependence, made it possible. to define the best development technique for each river basin, or basin system, assessed according to economic factors. A total of 22 hydropower developments have been studied. An example of a hydro system is shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The power indicated represents the installed capacity of each project resulting from annual mean discharge. A total of 121 projects are included in the ‘optimum development chains for the river basins in- vestigated. A selection based on the economic comparison factor, a comparison with thermal alternatives, as well as minimum size and geologic conditions, resulted in 52 hydropower projects being investigated in detail during the second phase of the study. Tt was estimated as a result of these studies that a total of 4951 MW was technically feasible, considering the systems of maximum. potential, and” 4352 MW con- sidering the systems of optimal development. Detail study of the hydro projects In the second phase, a more precise definition was made of the technical and economical aspects of the 52 selected projects, and three additional pumped-storage schemes. Seven associated irrigation projects were also studied. The more detailed investigations of hydrological aspects included a more precise estimation of design flood values at each project site, and the attenuation effects of reservoirs, the extension of available streamflow records, estimations of evaporation losses and. sediment transport, and consideration of the interaction between projects. The geological studies included consideration of geological and geotechnical aspects, and the location and availability of construction materials. A general evaluation wwas also undertaken of ecological aspects arising from the projects. ‘The definition of the hydropower projects was again based on the gross mean potential, defining variations of each project in terms of the turbine discharge; from 1 to, 1-42 times the mean flow for run-of-river, and from 1-0 to 4:5 times the mean flow for storage projects, The selection of the optimum installed capacity and hence, the plant factor for the project, was made within the third phase, as function of the complete supply system. ‘Thermal power projects Data relating to typical thermal power projects were collated on steam units for low, medium and peak load ‘operation, gas turbines, diesel units, geothermal units and. eneoe = 141 Gheoe2=1 31110 surge ane fro om) ma ois