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International Conference on Technologies and Materials for Renewable Energy, Environment and
International Conference on Technologies
Sustainability, and21-24
TMREES17, Materials
Aprilfor Renewable
2017, Energy, Environment and
Beirut Lebanon
Sustainability, TMREES17, 21-24 April 2017, Beirut Lebanon
Methodology of Feasibility Studies of Micro-Hydro power plants in
Methodology Theof 15thFeasibility Studies of
International Symposium Micro-Hydro
on District Heating andpower Cooling plants in
Cameroon: Case of the Micro-hydro of KEMKEN
Cameroon: Case of the Micro-hydro of KEMKEN
Assessing the feasibility of
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signea,b,* ,
using Hamandjoda
Oumarou
the heat demand-outdoor
a
, Jean Nganhouaa
temperature
Elie Bertrandfunction
Kengne for Signe a long-term
a,b,*
, Oumarou district
Hamandjoda heata
demand
, Jean Nganhou
National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Yaoundé1, P.O Box: 8390 Yaoundé, Cameroon
a
forecast
a
National Advanced
b
School
Institute for of Engineering,
Geological University
and Mining of Yaoundé1,
Research, P.O Box:
P.O box: 4110 8390Cameroon
Yaoundé, Yaoundé, Cameroon
I. Andrića,b,c*, A. for
Institute
b
Pina a
, P. Ferrão
Geological
a
and Mining,Research,
J. Fournier b
P.O box: ., B.Yaoundé,
4110 Lacarrière c
Cameroon, O. Le Corre
c

a
IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research - Instituto Superior Técnico, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
b
Abstract Veolia Recherche & Innovation, 291 Avenue Dreyfous Daniel, 78520 Limay, France
c
Abstract Département Systèmes Énergétiques et Environnement - IMT Atlantique, 4 rue Alfred Kastler, 44300 Nantes, France
Hydroelectricity is the largest source of renewable energy. However, large hydroelectric power stations will no longer be built
Hydroelectricity
enough. But there is the largest source
is tremendous of renewable
potential energy.
for small However,that
hydropower large hydroelectric
is seen as a morepower stations
suitable will no energy
renewable longer be built
source.
enough.
Cameroon Buthasthere
also isa tremendous potential
great hydroelectric for small
potential. hydropower
This work presents that ais simple
seen asmethod
a moreofsuitable renewable
the feasibility energy
studies of asource.
Micro
Abstract has also a great hydroelectric potential. This work presents a simple method of the feasibility studies of a Micro
Cameroon
Hydroelectric Power Plant (MHPP) project, in the intention to contribute to its development in Cameroon. The study was
Hydroelectric Power Plant
supported by feasibility (MHPP)
studies of theproject,
KEMKEN in the
MHPPintention
project.to Itcontribute
is a projecttoofits320
development in Cameroon.
kW of installed power, whereThe the
study was
Kaplan
District heating
supported networks
by feasibility are of
studies commonly
the KEMKENaddressed
MHPP in the literatureis aas one ofof the most effective solutions for decreasing the
turbine is recommended, the investment cost evaluated atproject.
212 486It 656 project
FCFA with320 kW of
a payback installed power,7where
period around years. the Kaplan
This work
greenhouse
turbine gas emissions from the building sector. These systems require high investments which are returned through the heat
containsisthe
recommended, the investment
necessary elements cost evaluated
of the feasibility studies atof 212
a MHPP486 656 FCFA
project with locality.
in rural a payback period around 7 years. This work
sales. Due
contains to the changed
the necessary elements climate
of the conditions and building
feasibility studies of a MHPP renovation
project inpolicies, heat demand in the future could decrease,
rural locality.
prolonging the investment return period.
© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
©The
2017 Thescope
main Authors. Published
of this paper isbytoElsevier Ltd.
assess the feasibility of using the heat demand – outdoor temperature function for heat demand
© 2017 The Authors.
Peer-review Published by
under responsibility
responsibility of Elsevier Ltd.
the Euro-Mediterranean
Euro-Mediterranean Institute forfor Sustainable Development
Development (EUMISD).
(EUMISD).
Peer-review
forecast. The under
district of Alvalade, of the Institute
located in Lisbon (Portugal), wasSustainable
used as a case study. The district is consisted of 665
Peer-review under responsibility of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute for Sustainable Development (EUMISD).
buildings that vary in both construction period and typology. Three weather scenarios (low, medium, high) and three district
Keywords: Project; feasibility studies, micro-hydro power plant.
renovation
Keywords: scenarios
Project; werestudies,
feasibility developed (shallow,
micro-hydro powerintermediate,
plant. deep). To estimate the error, obtained heat demand values were
compared with results from a dynamic heat demand model, previously developed and validated by the authors.
The results showed that when only weather change is considered, the margin of error could be acceptable for some applications
(the error in annual demand was lower than 20% for all weather scenarios considered). However, after introducing renovation
1. Introduction
scenarios, the error value increased up to 59.5% (depending on the weather and renovation scenarios combination considered).
1. Introduction
Hydroelectricity is one ofincreased
the mostonmature
The value of slope coefficient averagerenewable
within the formsrange of of3.8%
energy,
up toproviding about that
8% per decade, 20%corresponds
of the world's
to the
decrease in the number of heating hours of 22-139h during the heating season (depending on the combinationofofthe
Hydroelectricity
electricity consumption. is one of the most
Hydro-electric mature
power renewable
is a form forms
of of
renewable energy,
energyproviding
resource, about
which20% comes world's
from
weather the
and
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flowing
renovation consumption.
water. To generate
scenarios Hydro-electric
electricity,
considered). On the waterpower
other mustis be
hand, a inform
function of renewable
motion.
interceptWhen the energy
increased water isresource, bywhich
falling per
for 7.8-12.7% the comes
force
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of gravity,
(depending its
the
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suggestedwater
couldmust
be usedbe into motion.
modify the When the water
function is falling
parameters by the
for the force of
scenarios gravity, its
considered, and
improve the accuracy of heat demand estimations.

© 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

* Corresponding
Peer-review author.
under Tel.: +237-695-339-264;
responsibility fax: +237-222-222-431.
of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and
* E-mail
Corresponding
Cooling. address:author. Tel.: +237-695-339-264; fax: +237-222-222-431.
kengne82@yahoo.fr
E-mail address: kengne82@yahoo.fr
1876-6102
Keywords:©Heat
2017demand;
The Authors. Published
Forecast; Climatebychange
Elsevier Ltd.
1876-6102
Peer-review©under
2017responsibility
The Authors. of
Published by Elsevier Ltd. Institute for Sustainable Development (EUMISD).
the Euro-Mediterranean
Peer-review under responsibility of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute for Sustainable Development (EUMISD).

1876-6102 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Peer-review under responsibility of the Scientific Committee of The 15th International Symposium on District Heating and Cooling.
1876-6102 © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Peer-review under responsibility of the Euro-Mediterranean Institute for Sustainable Development (EUMISD).
10.1016/j.egypro.2017.07.042
18 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28
2 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

potential energy converts into kinetic energy. This kinetic energy of the flowing water turns blades or vanes in a
hydraulic turbines, the form of energy is changed to mechanical energy. The turbine turns the generator rotor which
then converts this mechanical energy into electrical energy and the system is called hydro-electric power station.
Countries such as Brazil, the United States, Canada, China and Norway produce large amounts of electricity with
very large hydroelectric stations [14]. Nowadays, very large hydroelectric power plants are less and less developed
because of their socio-environmental impacts such as: flooding caused by large dams and reservoirs, displacement
of massive population, changes in the local ecosystem, Landscape impact, changes in water used …etc. On the other
hand, for the same reasons and in the concerns of the sustainable development of any locality, most experts agree
that hydropower of more than 1MW cannot be considered as renewable. This is due to factors which reducing its
capacity after a number of years [26]. Not only a small hydropower plant with 1MW of power can supply 630
households throughout the year, but also avoids the emission of 2500 tons of CO 2 per year in the atmosphere. For
these reasons, several small hydropower plants have been developed and commissioned around the world. In China,
for example, more than 19,000 MW of electricity is produced by 43,000 small hydropower plants [15].
The rate of access to electricity in Cameroon was 49% in 2012, which less than 20% in the rural area [16].
However, that country has significant hydroelectric potential. But only large power plants are often developed,
leaving out many other sites favorable to the implantation of the MHPP, able to satisfy the needs of electrification in
the remote rural areas and thus contribute to their sustainable development. There is the lack of data and skills in
that area in Cameroon.
The aim of this study is to set up a methodological guide for the feasibility studies of the MHPP in Cameroon,
based on the case study of the fall river of KEMKEN.

2. Materials and methods

The study was carried out between March and October 2016. It took out several steps, including site visits, data
collection, measurements, field surveys, meetings with local populations and analyzes.

2.1. Study site and materials

The hydroelectric potential of the site chosen is a water called KEMKEN, on a river in Banéghang district (5 °
26 '54 "North, 10 ° 18' 49" East), Bansoa village, Penka-Michel subdivision, Menoua department, West Region of
Cameroon [29]. The following figure shows a photo of waterfall.

Figure 1: The waterfall of KEMKEN (Source: authors)

The national interconnected South (RIS) network covers some neighboring villages. The distance between the
site and the nearest national grid point is currently estimated at 9.5 km. The inhabitants closest to the site have no
electricity.
Topographic maps, electronic laser level with Global Positioning Systems (GPS), questionnaire series, length
 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28 19
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 3

meters, hydrological data and several other documents were used.

2.2. Methods

2.2.1. Site Recognition and topographic Analysis

Several site visits were made, during which the gross head of waterfall H b was determined, which is the altitude
difference between the upstream and downstream water levels of the waterfall. It is a topographic datum measurable
on the ground or thanks to a map for high falls. In our case the gross fall height was measured using an electronic
laser level with an accuracy of ± 1m.

2.2.2. Electricity demand in the locality

The demand for electrical power is based on the number of inhabitants and their activities. The population
demand at the end of the maturity is determined by the following formula [10]:

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 𝑃𝑃𝑃𝑃0 (1 + 𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼)𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 (1)

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛 =
m

Bn: Future needs of the population in electrical power, n: Project duration, Bm: Needs per household in kW, Po:
current population, α: annual growth rate of the population and m: average number of persons per household.

2.2.3. The electrical power

All hydro-electric generation depends on falling water. Stream flow is the fuel of a hydro-power plant and
without it generation ceases. The quantity of water available for the operation of a MHPP is paramount and is
obtained by the curve of instantaneous discharge (generally one measure per day for at least one year). This curve is
defined by the number of days during which the discharge is reached or exceeded in a year.
For this type of data refer to the hydrological station closest to the site. But in Cameroon there is a sharp lack of
data because small rivers are not gauged in the majority. In the absence of these data, one measure per day must be
collected for one year on the river. But if rainfall data are available on the catchment area, a rainfall- run-off model
can be used to simulate the discharge curve. The turbine flow rate is determined from the rated flow curve and will
vary according to the objective of the MHPP. For a self-consumption objective (or for the supply of an isolated
network), the turbine flow rate is the discharge exceeded for 250 days per year [17].
Regardless of the water, the power generated in a turbine (lost from water potential energy) is given as:

P = ɳt x ρ x g x Qt x Hn (2)

Where P = Power in watt generated in the turbine shaft, Q t = water flow rate (m3/s), g = gravity acceleration
constant (9.81m/s2), H n = net head (m), ɳ t = turbine efficiency which normally is between 80-90% [5].
The turbine efficiency ɳ t is defined as the ratio of power supplied by the turbine (mechanical power transmitted
by the turbine shaft) to the absorbed power (hydraulic power equivalent to the measured discharge under the net
head). To estimate the overall efficiency of the micro-hydro-power plant, the turbine efficiency must be multiplied
by the efficiencies of the speed increaser (if any) and the alternator [18].

2.2.4. The choice of the technical components of the installation

The choice of technical components must take account of local constraints from a social, environmental, cultural,
technical and economic point of view.

• Weir (bypass dam)

A Weir is a low wall or dam across the stream to be gauged with a notch through which all the water may be
20 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28
4 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

channeled. A simple linear measurement of the difference in level between the up-stream water surface and the
bottom of the notch is sufficient to quantify the flow rate. The height takes into account the point of entry of water
into the supply pipe. Its strength lies in its anchoring on the banks and the stability of its foundation. Several types
of notch can be used such as rectangular, Vee or trapezoidal. The material may be metal plate, concrete or hard
wood with sharp edges. Materials available and cheap on site must be use.

• The water intake

Placed at the inlet of the supply line, the water intake avoids turbulence, stops heavy or light debris with the
screen, threshold and chicane. The inlet water level must be below the water level to prevent air from entering the
line. The flow rate through it can be given as [5]:

Q = 1.8 x (w - 0.2h) x h1.5 (m3/s) (3)

Where w = weir width (m), h = Weir height (m). If w ≥ 3h, the dimensions of weir can be calculated.

• The supply channel

The most important thing to consider while constructing the headrace open channel is to make slope of canal
only slightly elevated because higher slope can lead to higher velocity of water which can then cause erosion in the
channel surface. In open channel foundation two requirements must be satisfied:
- The stability: channel is a rigid structure and do not permit deformations;
- Channel does not support thrust or up lift pressure. The flow of water in open channel is considered
uniform when: The water depth, area and velocity in every cross-section of the channel are constant. The
energy gradient line, surface line and bottom channel line are parallel to each other.
Depending on the topography and geology of the soil, the canal may be a tunnel, an aqueduct; a pipe buried or
flushes with the ground. On the one hand the minimum permissible speeds in the channel are limited to reduce
sedimentation, to avoid the erosion of the walls or the bed. These speeds are: 2.49 m / s for the steel lining and 3.66
m / s for the concrete lining [20].

• Loading room (fore bay)

The loading chamber serves as a regulating and decanting tank:

- Regulation: the loading chamber plays the role of the anti-ram for short forced conduits. It maintains in the
case of MHPP, the constant load on the turbines by the permanent passage through the overflow;

- Decantation: before entering the forced pipe, the water is decanted. For this purpose, it is equipped with a
20 cm high concrete sill which retains the creeping particles, a screen which overcomes the threshold and
stops the other particles, and a deflector which stops the floating debris. The depth of the chamber varies
from 1.50 to 2.50 m [20].

• The penstock
The penstock supplies the turbine with pressurized water under pressure from the loading room. It is
characterized by the number, the nature, the layout, the support, the dimensions and the protection.
It is preferable to supply each turbine with a penstock at short distances; if it is long, a single forced pipe must feed
several turbines via a manifold [21] – [10]. They are made of steel or high pressure PVC.
The economic diameter in (m) is calculated using several methods, including the following equation:

D p = 2.69 x (n p 2 x Q2 x L P /H g ) (4)

Where, n p = Manning's coefficient, Q = turbine water flow rate (m3/s), Lp = penstock length in (m), Hg = gross
head in (m).
 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28 21
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 5

The wall thickness of the penstock depends on the pipe materials, its tensile strength, pipe diameter and the
operating pressure. The minimum wall thickness is recommended as:

𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 + 508
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑝𝑝𝑝𝑝 = + 1.2 (5) Where
400
Dp = penstock
diameter in (mm), t p = minimum penstock thickness in (mm) [5].

• Electromechanical equipment
They naturally depend on the characteristics of the Fall River (net head and flow rates). The choice of the turbine
is made as a function of the nominal flow rate Q n and the net head H n according to the Sulzer-Escher Wyss diagram
[14].
The regulated frequency of electric current in Cameroon is 50 Hz. For an isolated network, which the option is
considered for this project, it is recommended to choose a synchronous generator (which will function as an
alternator) [14].

• The plant or power house

The plant is a building that can house turbo-generator equipment’s and control elements. The dimensions are:
length L (m), width l (m) and height h (m).

L = n (5d +2,5) + e (6)

l > 5d + 2,5 (7)
2,5 > h > 2 (8)

Where: n = number of turbo-generator sets, d = turbine outlet diameter (m), e = length of the loading dock
equivalent to the maximum right-of-way of one unit (m) [21].

• The tailrace
The restitution channel or leakage channel serves to bring water from the turbine outlet to the river. It can be
sized in the same way as the inlet channel, and can be buried or open pit.

• The transmission and distribution network

Grid voltage: For low power and short distances. The experts recommend that, the distribution can be done
directly in low voltage, that is to say 380/220 Volts.
Conductive wires and their safety: In the case of rural electrification, the minimum distance from the lowest
point to the ground is four meters; it is six meters at the crossing of the roads accessible to the vehicles. Aluminum
alloy conductors are preferred because of their bulk density and low costs [20].

2.2.5. Elements of economic analysis

The cost of implanting an MHPP depends on the site to equip. It is necessary to use the materials found on the
site to the maximum for the reduction of costs.
A monthly consumption of less than 110 kWh is a part of the social sector and is invoiced at 50 FCFA per kWh
in Cameroon [24]. In practice, MHPP operate between approximately 4,500 and 6,500 h per year. The direct
operating costs represent, for a MHPP is 10 to 30% of the gross cash-flow [20].

2.2.6. Estimated profitability

• The net present value (NPV)

Either a project characterized by: I: Initial investment cost at time t = 0; R1, R2, ..., Rn: cash-flow of years 1, 2,
..., n; C1, C2, ..., Cn: Operating costs for years 1, 2, ..., n; a: Project discount rate. The net present value (NPV) of
22 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28
6 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

the project is given by the following equation (9):

𝑛𝑛𝑛𝑛
𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 − 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
NPV = �
(1 + 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎)𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
−I (9)
𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘=1

The project is profitable if NPV ≥ 0.

• The updated return time or return on investment (TRA) or pay-back period

Return on investment is the time it takes for the net present value of the investment to be zero.

3. Results and Discussions

3.1. Results

3.1.1. The head, the flow rates

The KEMKEN gross head was measured using an electronic level with an accuracy of ± 1m. The head obtained
by measurement is (10 ± 1) m. Hydrological analysis of the site, was done using the results of a hydrological
analysis conducted by J.C. Olivry in 1986 [7]. The river in question is the same as that feeding the waterfall of the
Metchié. The average annual flow is 9.3 m3/s. The flow rate exceeds 12.5 m3/ s with a frequency of 30% over the
year.

3.1.2. The need for electricity in the locality

The inhabitants closest to the site have no electricity. They sometimes use generators based on fossil fuel sources
that not only, have higher production costs but are also highly polluting. Nearly 280 houses were recorded in the
vicinity of the waterfall. There are on average 4 people per household. The average annual rate of population growth
in Cameroon was estimated at 2.6% between 2005 and 2010 [23]. The average electricity consumption per
inhabitant in Cameroon in 2014 was 274 kWh, representing the 9% of per inhabitant consumption in the world [12].
Consider the annual average per inhabitant consumption of electricity in the world as the current need in the locality
per inhabitant (to take into account future ambitions). Then, the power requirement at the end of the 20-year project
is, according to formula (1), B n = 405 kW. But the real demand in the village is more important globally. An
interconnection to the national network allows us to look this demand more increased in a near future.

3.1.3. Population participation

In our case, the local population must play a central role in the decisions to be taken in the development and
implementation of the project. This central role will be more important during operation (operation and
maintenance). A local committee to participate in the project and to manage the operation will be set up. It will have
to group skills such as: religious, agents of the municipality, farmers, breeders and fishermen, small traders and
other representatives of the community according to cultural varieties ... etc. They will be responsible for conflict
management, motivation and clarification of the public interest in supporting the project (financial income, access to
electricity and its benefits, Opportunities for work …etc.).

3.1.4. Electrical Power and energy

The average monthly flows rate resulting from the studies mentioned above made it possible to plot the curve of
the classified discharges presented in the following figure 2:
 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28 23
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 7

Figure 2: Graded flow curve

This project is thought for the supply of a decentralized network. The technical condition for an interconnection
to SIN has not yet been clarified. The flow rate of equipment used to design the turbine is that which is exceeded
250 days per year. On the figure 1, this flow rate corresponds to 3.8 m3/s. The global average efficiency of generator
and turbine is 85% [5] and [18]. Applying formula (2), it comes that:
P = 316 863 W ≈ 317 kW. So the producible is: P E = 317 x 8760 = 2,776 MWh.

3.1.5. The choice of the technical components of the installation

• The weir (dam) will be made of rubble masonry reinforced with concrete beam. Its length is estimated at
about 120 m with a height of 4 m. Developers (those working in engineering) will give more precision to
the dam, the feed channel, the loading chamber and the restitution channel in a timely manner;

• The penstock: The diameter of the forced pipe is given by applying the formula (3). Thus, the diameter of
the penstock is 0.84 m. The standardized diameter of the pipe available on the market is 0.80 m. The
thickness of penstock, according to formula (4), is 2,5 mm. It is the PVC pipe with high pressure that will
be more appropriate. The distance between the point chosen for the plant and the loading is about 24 m;

• The turbine: According to the Sulzer-Escher Wyss diagram the corresponding turbine is Kaplan Double
Regulated. The nominal power of the turbine is 317 kW. Let’s consider a turbine of a nominal power of
320 kW;

• The generator: The chosen synchronous generator of frequency 50 Hz. The generator efficiency is
generally between 85 and 95%.

3.1.6. The legal and regulatory framework of the KEMKEN MHPP

In the context of rural electrification, the generation, especially of hydroelectric plant with a capacity of 5 MW
or less, the supply and sale of electricity shall be virtue of a simple authorization from the Electricity Sector
Regulatory Board (ARSEL). No special requirements for tender notices or advertisement shall be imposed. Such
activities shall be carried on in compliance with the rules of safety and environmental protection (Section 60 (1) of
law n° 022/2011) [27]. Thus, for the MHPP of KEMKEN, whose installed capacity is 320 kW, the legal regime is
the authorization and the competent institution is ARSEL. A demanding environmental management plan is required
as part of this project.

The technical data of project are summarized in the next table.

824 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe
Elie Bertrand et Signe
Kengne al. / Energy
et al. / Procedia 00 (2017)
Energy Procedia 119000–000
(2017) 17–28

Table 1: Technical data of the project

Sizes Values
Site characteristics
Gross head 10,5 m
Mean flow rate 9,3 m3/s
Maximal flow rate 26,7 m3/s
Volume of water passed through turbine (in mean) 302 106 m3/a
Turbine
Type Kaplan S
Rotation speed 375 tr/min
Net head 10 m
Nominal flow rate 3,8 m3/s
Nominal power 320 kW
Alternator
Type Synchronal
Tension 380/220 V
Frequency 50 Hz
Interconnection / distribution
Type of grid Isolate
Production of electricity
Producible 2 776 MWh

For the development of the MHPP of KEMKEN, that synoptic is proposed.

Figure3: Synoptic diagram of the KEMKEN MHPP

3.1.7. Economic analysis

• Amount of investment
The cost of implanting an MHPP depends on the site to be equipped. The following table, Table 2 shows the
investment amounts per sub-fund:
 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 9
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28 25

Table 2: The MHPP investment budget in FCFA

N
Component of the MHPP Total Price (FCFA)
°
1 Civil engineering works: Total1 = T1 116 944 687
2 Metal Construction: Total2 = T2 3 300 000
3 Turbo-generator group: Total3 = 44 825 000
4 Equipment for transmission and supply of electricity Total 4 = T4 12 600 000
Others cost (administration and legal fees) : Total 5 =T5 15 500 000
Total = T1+T2+T3+T4+T5 193 169 687
Contingencies 10 % = I 19 316 969
Grand Total 212 486 656
1 Euro = 656 FCFA (Rate for April 2017)

• Operating forecasts
Considering the needs per household in the locality, the consumption of each household will be in social range.
So, all production will be sold at 50 FCFA per kWh. The producible calculated and recorded in table1 is 2,776 kWh.
We take also into account an optimistic average utilization rate of 60% for our evaluation. Thus, we can expect
revenue of: Rk = 83,307,600 FCFA.

• Operating expenses
Let’s remind that the direct operating costs represent, for an MHPP, 10 to 30% of the cash flow. In our case, we
will consider that the direct costs represent 35% of the cash-flow (to take into account costs related to non-quality
and lack of experience in Cameroon). The rate of inflation in Cameroon in 2016 is about 3%. The recommended
discount rate in France is 10%. In Cameroon, this rate is about 12.5% [28].

• Estimated profitability

- Net present value NAV

If the project deadline is 20 years, and the discount rate a = 0.125.
NFV = 136,418,577 FCFA. This net present value is positive. So, the project is profitable.

- The return time of the investment (payback period)

The calculation of the return time of the investment is: T = 6 years + 16 days.

3.1.8. Methodological tree of MCH feasibility studies in Cameroon

The diagram in figure 4 below summarizes in a few ways the feasibility study methodology used for the
KEMKEN MHPP study. It can be adapted for other MHPP projects in Cameroon.
26 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28
10 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000

No
Is there a waterfall? No MHPP

Yes

Phase 1: Preliminaries studies / prefeasibility

Recognition of site, topographic survey and gross head measurement

No
The MHPP is not
Is there a demand? interesting

Yes
No
Are there a demand /opportunity The Project is out of
of rural electrification? the objective

Yes
Review of documents and collection more data of
hydrological, topographical and geological

Estimation of potential energy

No
The project is not favorably
The potential can satisfy the for a sustainable development
demand sustainably?

Yes
Commitment of local community and participative actions, collect more data

Yes
No No
Is there at less one Is there at less one Collect the discharges
year of discharge year of rain fall? for at less one year

Phase 2: Feasibility studies

Yes
Used an appropriate rain fall-run off
model and simulate run off

-Energy analyze: make classified graphs of discharge and power; then find
capacity (power in kW) and the producible…;

-Design of component of MHPP: Choice of technical

option and design of equipment

- The legal and regulatory framework: Listed all

administrative and environment formalities.

-Financial analyze: estimation of cash-flow, operating cost and profitability.

No The project cannot be

Implementatio

Is it profitable? implemented
Phase 3 :

Yes

- Engineering of Project, planning of implementation, research of funding, preparing of tenders….

Figure 4: A Methodology of the feasibility studies of projects of MHPP in Cameroon

 Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 119 (2017) 17–28 27
Elie Bertrand Kengne Signe et al. / Energy Procedia 00 (2017) 000–000 11

3.2. Discussion
The population of this village mainly needs electricity for lighting, the supply of radios and televisions, the
charge of telephones and some transformations of agricultural products (cassava, maize…). The population need
(estimated at 650 kW in 20 years) will not be entirely satisfied only by this MHPP (320 kW), in long term. But at
least for the five next years after the implementation of that project, they will not have any problem of electricity.
The renewable nature of this energy can only support the sustainable development of the locality. An
interconnection to the RIS could be envisaged for a more effective coverage.
Despite the fact that the project is profitable, difficulties in financing projects should not be overlooked. The
promoter may request the subsidy provided by the State for rural electrification, in particular that of the rural
electrification fund (ERF).

4.
Conclusion
The aim of this study was to set up a methodological guide for the feasibility studies of MHPP projects in
Cameroon, based on the KEMKEN case study.
It emerges that the development of the KEMKEN MHPP will be an example of the contribution of renewable
energies to the sustainable development of the locality. Its capacity is 320 kW, with an investment amount of 212
486 656 FCFA, for a maximum payback period of 7 years. The implementation of that project can be a suitable
contribution for a sustainable development of that rural locality.
This study made it possible to summarize the approach of the feasibility studies by a methodology which can
serve as guidance for the other projects of MHPP in Cameroon.

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