Small Hydropower Development Potential in Chechen Republic

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the issues of energy development and hydroelectric potential utilization of the rivers in the Chechen Republic. One gives a brief description of the river network and performs the hydroelectric potential's calculations of large and small rivers. One estimates the hydroelectric potential at about 4.86 billion kWh. The share content of hydroelectric resources constitutes 3682.7 kWh/1 km 2 of the territory. We attribute special attention to the potential assessment of rivers within the mountainous part of the territory. The estimated gross potential of mountain rivers alone is 2.4 billion rubles kWh, and technical -0.55 billion kWh. One note that the development of small hydropower is an important factor of improvement in regard to the socio-economic conditions of the population's life and territory's energy security.