Maximization of hydropower generation from Hazelmere Dam in South Africa

Abstract

Harnessing more energy from existing water sources within the frontier of the country is germane in capacitating the South African Government’s commitment to reduction of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy while meeting a national target of 3 725 megawatts by 2030. This study aims to determine the amount of energy that can be generated from Hazelmere Dam on the Mdloti River, South Africa. Behavioral analyses of the Hazelmere reservoir were performed using plausible scenarios. Feasible alternative reservoir operation models were formulated and investigated to determine the best operating policy and power system configuration. The optimi-zation models were formulated to maximize hydropower generation while keeping within the limits of existing irriga-tion demands. Differential evolution algorithm was employed to search feasible solution space for the best policy. Findings suggest that if the water resource in the dam is properly managed, about 558.54 MWh of annual energy may be generated from the reservoir under medium flow condition without system failure.