Feasibility Analysis Model for Mini Hydropower Plant in Tioman Island, Malaysia

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the technical, theoretical and financial analysis of a hydro power plant, which is considered as dependable and sustainable among all other forms of renewable energy. Hydropower energy is broadly used all over the world, whether in the form of minihydro for a single village or a massive dam to serve the entire country. Industrialized countries have utilized their hydro potential extensively. However, in the developing world, particularly in the equatorial zone, hydropower remains an option with considerable potential for satisfying energy needs. The study was conducted using the RETScreen Clean Energy Project Analysis software. Based on hydrology analysis, the design of mini hydro is optimized by considering costing, efficiency, expected operating and capacity factor. In addition, plant design and size are evaluated by using capacity factor, NPV and payback period. From the financial analysis, a NPV value of RM3.5 million and payback period of 10.8 years is obtained for the u...