Many-objective design of reservoir systems - Applications to the Blue Nile

This work proposes a multi-criteria optimization-based approach for supporting the negotiated design of multireservoir systems. The research addresses the multi-reservoir system design problem (selecting among alternative options, reservoir sizing), the capacity expansion problem (timing the activation of new assets and the filling of new large reservoirs) and management of multi-reservoir systems at various expansion stages. The aim is to balance multiple long and short-term performance objectives of relevance to stakeholders with differing interests. The work also investigates how problem re-formulations can be used to improve computational efficiency at the design and assessment stage and proposes a framework for post-processing of many objective optimization results to facilitate negotiation among multiple stakeholders. The proposed methods are demonstrated using the Blue Nile in a suite of proof-of-concept studies. Results take the form of Pareto-optimal trade-offs where each point on the curve or surface represents the design of water resource systems (i.e., asset choice, size, implementation dates of reservoirs, and operating policy) and coordination strategies (e.g., cost sharing and power trade) where further benefits in one measure necessarily come at the expense of another. Technical chapters aim to offer practical Nile management and/or investment recommendations deriving from the analysis which could be refined in future more detailed studies

SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES IN IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION

Resource /Energy Economics and Policy,

Participatory design of robust and sustainable development pathways in the Omo-Turkana river basin

Study region: Omo-Turkana Basin, trans-boundary basin between Ethiopia and Kenya (North eastern Africa). Study focus: Significant investments in large dams have been mobilized in the Omo-Turkana basin to expand hydropower and support extensive irrigation projects. Assessing the impacts of these infrastructures, particularly on local stakeholders, constitutes a crucial foundation for socially inclusive as well as environmentally and economically sustainable development. This study showcases the potential of a participatory decision-analytic framework in investigating the impacts of alternative development pathways on competing stakeholders' interests in the OmoTurkana basin to support strategic planning under both current and projected hydroclimatic and socio-economic conditions. The optimal operation of the planned system expansion, including the current and future dam cascade and the irrigation projects, is investigated to provide insights into multisectoral trade-offs. Five main sectors with competing interests are considered: hydropower production, environmental protection, indigenous recession agriculture, fish yield in Lake Turkana, and large-scale commercial irrigated agriculture. New hydrological insights for the region: Results show that the planned infrastructure can negatively impact local stakeholders, particularly in terms of fish yields in Lake Turkana. Still, a potential exists for negotiating operational compromises that are both efficient and socially inclusive. Moreover, even though the performance of the planned infrastructure is expected to decline in the future under changing climate and irrigation demands, this can be mitigated by timely implementing robust solutions triggered by the alterations of streamflows in the northern part of the basin

Evaluation of Reservoir Capacity and Reliability for Urban Water Utilization in Dili, Timor Leste

The ability to store and distribute water resources is very significant to human activities. Therefore, high importance is placed on the sector to address any adverse impact in the event of major shortfall, particularly in Dili, Timor Leste. A study on the development of effective water resource management mechanisms has been conducted to support government visions. As a consequence, priority strategy was initiated to design the necessary infrastructure, in order to match urban demands. One action plan of this effort is by building reservoirs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the construction of a minor or large reservoir to meet water consumption rate in Dili. Also, the strategy implementation proposal of the reservoir development in Beemos and Becora rivers was prepared by analyzing the reliability and capacity, using a model known as water release standard operating rules. However, water balance simulation results showed the reliability of clean water services from these two small storage units is unable to approach 100%, due to limited volume. The capacity optimization outcomes of large Beemos reservoir indicated the inflow potential at 90% utilization, and therefore is able to balance the urban water demand up to 2030. Despite impressive simulation results, the government is expected to consistently conduct a detailed feasibility study in the upstream area, prior to implementation. Furthermore, large reservoir construction is highly recommended for effective water resource expansion, in an attempt to match the high consumption rate in Dili. This effort possibly supports Timor Leste's targets and sustainable development goals concerning clean water and sanitation

Agent-based technology applied to power systems reliability

Tese de doutoramento. Engenharia Electrotécnica e de Computadores. Faculdade de Engenharia. Universidade do Porto. 200