GIS and SWAT Model-Based Assessment of Theoretical Hydropower Potential in the Furfuro Watershed, Ethiopia

Amsayaw Genet; Aynadis  Ejargew; Temesgen  Zelalem; Abebe  Tadesse; Tensay  Kifle; Moges   Tariku

doi:10.70984/kjaqm893

Authors

Amsayaw Genet Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
Aynadis Ejargew Department of Water Resource and Irrigation Engineering, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
Temesgen Zelalem Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
Abebe Tadesse Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
Tensay Kifle Department of Water Supply and Environmental Engineering, Werabe University, Werabe, Ethiopia
Moges Tariku Department of Hydraulic Engineering, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70984/kjaqm893

Keywords:

Analytic Hierarchy Process, Furfuro Watershed, GIS, Theoretical Hydropower, Renewable Energy, Run-of-River Hydropower Plant, SWAT

Abstract

Ethiopia possesses abundant water resources and favorable topography for hydropower development; however, comprehensive data on many perennial rivers and their hydropower potential remain scarce. Accurate information is therefore essential for harnessing the country’s renewable energy resources and advancing a sustainable, low-carbon energy future. This study assessed the hydropower potential of the Furfuro River in the Rift Valley Basin using an integrated approach combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). A SWAT model was developed for the Furfuro watershed using digital elevation, soil, land-use, meteorological, and observed streamflow data. The watershed was delineated into 31 sub-basins and 265 hydrologic response units (HRUs). Model calibration and validation were performed using the Sequential Uncertainty Fitting algorithm (SUFI-2). Model performance during calibration showed satisfactory agreement, with Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.68, coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.69, and percent bias (PBIAS) of −0.8%. During validation, NSE, R², and PBIAS values were 0.67, 0.70, and 2.9%, respectively. Based on simulated flows and river profiles, four potential hydropower sites were identified along fourth- and fifth-order streams with available heads of at least 3 m. The sites were ranked using a suitability index derived from the analytical hierarchy process. Site 1 was identified as the most suitable, with a theoretical hydropower potential of 0.297 MW and a discharge of 0.36 m³/s at 95% exceedance, whereas Site 4 was the least suitable, with 0.018 MW and 0.10 m³/s. Overall, the results show that hydropower development could supply energy to communities.