Assessment of hydropower potential using spatial technology and SWAT modelling in the Mat River, southern Mizoram, India

Abstract

In this study, a hydrological model and spatial technologies have been employed to assess water availability in the Mat River basin, southern Mizoram, India. Furthermore, the results obtained from the SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool) model, satellite data and GIS tools were utilized to identify the hydropower potential in the basin. Thirty three sites with hydropower potential were identified within 147 km2 of the Mat River basin. A total of 3039, 1127 and 805 kW can be harnessed with 50, 75 and 90% dependability, respectively. The study revealed that the hydropower potential of a river basin can be correctly assessed by employing a digital elevation model, stream network data and a hydrological model, such as the SWAT model, within a GIS framework.