Assessing the Renewable Energy Potential of River Eleyoka in Kwara State.

ABSTRACT In the face of growing energy deficits and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives, this study explores the renewable energy potential of River Eleyoka in Kwara State, Nigeria, with a focus on harnessing its hydropower capacity. The research adopts a multidisciplinary approach, combining hydrological assessments, GIS-based topographic mapping, energy modeling, environmental screening, and community surveys to evaluate the feasibility of a mini-hydropower system. Flow measurements across wet and dry seasons reveal a reliable Q75 flow of 0.69 m³/s and a net hydraulic head of approximately 12.5 meters—sufficient to support a 63.4 kW run-of-the-river mini-hydropower plant. Energy modeling estimates an annual generation of over 416 MWh, capable of supplying more than 150 households and small-scale enterprises. GIS-based suitability mapping further identified optimal zones for installation, while water quality analysis confirmed minimal environmental risks. The socio-economic survey showed strong community support and readiness for electrification, with 93% of respondents willing to adopt renewable energy if made available. Despite infrastructural and policy challenges, the study concludes that River Eleyoka offers a technically and socially viable option for decentralized renewable energy development in rural Kwara State. The findings offer a strategic framework for localized clean energy planning, contributing to national and global goals for sustainable development and climate resilience.