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Small Hydropower Development and Plant Operations

Africa's rivers and existing dam infrastructure hold significant untapped small hydropower potential for rural and industrial supply. This programme covers site assessment, hydrological analysis, turbine selection and the practical operation and maintenance of small and mini hydro plants. Delegates gain a grounded understanding of how to develop and run reliable run of river and canal based schemes in local conditions.

What you will be able to do

  • Assess hydropower potential using flow duration and head measurement techniques.
  • Select appropriate turbine and generator types for small and mini hydro sites.
  • Interpret hydrological data to size a scheme and estimate annual energy yield.
  • Plan civil works, intakes and penstocks suited to run of river conditions.
  • Operate and maintain hydro plant for reliability and long asset life.
  • Evaluate environmental flow requirements and permitting obligations for river schemes.

Course outline

  1. 01Hydropower Fundamentals and Site Types
  2. 02Flow, Head and Resource Assessment
  3. 03Turbine and Generator Selection
  4. 04Civil Works and Water Conveyance
  5. 05Electrical and Control Systems
  6. 06Operations and Maintenance Practice
  7. 07Environmental Flows and Permitting
  8. 08Financial Viability of Small Hydro

Who should attend

This course is aimed at energy developers, plant operators, rural electrification planners and municipal and estate engineers exploring hydropower options.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 19 Aug 2026Dar es Salaam3US$1,500
24 to 26 Aug 2026Pretoria3R13,000
31 Aug to 2 Sep 2026Cape Town3R13,000
14 to 16 Sep 2026Online3US$900
21 to 23 Sep 2026Mozambique3US$1,500
28 to 30 Sep 2026Cairo3US$1,500
5 to 7 Oct 2026Accra3US$1,500
12 to 14 Oct 2026Lusaka3US$1,500
19 to 21 Oct 2026Kigali3US$1,500
26 to 28 Oct 2026Nairobi3US$1,500
2 to 4 Nov 2026Durban3R13,000
9 to 11 Nov 2026Johannesburg3R13,000
23 to 25 Nov 2026Mauritius3US$1,500
30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026Dubai3US$1,500
7 to 9 Dec 2026Lagos3US$1,500
14 to 16 Dec 2026Harare3US$1,500
21 to 23 Dec 2026Kampala3US$1,500

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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