HYDRO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT FOR GERD IMPACTS ON SUDAN HYDROPOWER GENERATION

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to conduct an economic assessment of the impact of GERD dam on hydropower generation in Sudan considering both Merowe and Roseires reservoirs for assessment. A model was developed using RiverWare software from the University of Colorado to conduct hydrological simulations of all water systems in Sudan. After calibrating the model, the cost of the sediment, the operating cost of the generation and the alternative cost of thermal generation of the lost opportunities were calculated. An economic assessment of reservoirs operation options at higher levels during flood was carried out using the simple benefits and cost ratio method. The study concluded that raising levels during the flood to 471m and 291m above sea level in Roseires and Merowe will be adequate enough for passing considerable amount of the sediment in long-term (30 years) and is the most economically viable for both sustainability of these reservoirs and the maximization of hydropower generation. In addition, a great opportunity is available to
increase generation at these plants by 24% (2000 Gig watt/year) compared to the average before GERD Dam and is expected to contribute to the Sudanese economy's annual savings by 23 million US dollars as an opportunity value.