DOI: https://doi.org/10.61435/ijred.2026.62467
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Unlocking run-of-river hydropower potential in semi-arid regions through modular turbines

1Hydraulic System Analysis Team Laboratory, Mohammadia School of Engineers, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco., Morocco

2Hydraulic System Analysis Team Laboratory, Mohammadia School of Engineers, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.

Received: 7 Mar 2026; Published: 1 Sep 2026.
Editor(s): H Hadiyanto
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract
The growing global demand for renewable energy requires diversification of electricity systems toward low-impact sources. Run-of-river hydropower plants are increasingly recognized as promising options, offering generation with limited environmental and social disruption. Their role is particularly relevant in regions facing water scarcity, where traditional large hydropower projects may be less feasible. This study assesses the technical hydropower potential of the semi-arid Bouregreg watershed in Morocco using a distributed run-of-river scheme. For this purpose, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was used to simulate the streamflow in order to establish the power-duration curves throughout the watershed. These graphs then serve to calculate the technical potential while relying on a turbine system designed to improve energy recovery under low-flow conditions. The system consists of an optimal number of identical Crossflow turbines operating in parallel and complemented by a smaller auxiliary turbine. The results indicate a total hydropower potential of 45 MW, corresponding to approximately 15% of the watershed’s annual electricity demand. This highlights the underexploited potential of run-of-river systems to harness the flow conditions of semi-arid basins. The proposed framework therefore provides a practical approach for identifying viable hydropower opportunities and supporting the integration of small-scale hydropower into regional renewable energy strategies.

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Keywords: Run-of-river; Hydrological modeling; SWAT; Flow-duration curve; Modular turbines; Semi-arid

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Section: Original Research Article
Language : EN
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