Small hydropower using pump as turbine: an alternative for energy generation in Southern Africa

With the rise in fuel prices as well as energy cost, hydroelectric power is the best alternative for energy generation in rural industries and villages. Small hydropower (SHP) is the largest and oldest source of renewable energy which converts the energy of flowing water into electricity. Small hydroelectric power is entering this field for improving and saving energy in several developing countries through the use of pump in reverse mode as hydraulic turbine; pump as turbine (PAT). It is one of the best alternatives that could meet energy needs by providing electricity in villages and rural settlements as Southern Africa is endowed with a huge untapped SHP energy potentials. In this study, the importance of PAT energy generation for sustainable power, based on its capacity to provide electricity to the rural communities along with contributing to the national grid towards alleviating serious shortage of electricity within Southern African continent, has been discussed. This paper discusses the potentials and the need for SHP development sites in Southern Africa.