A multisource geospatial dataset for assessing and enhancing small-scale hydropower potential in Cameroon

This article was prepared using publicly accessible data from the web-based Hydropower Atlas HYPOSO, covering five Latin American and African countries. The Cameroonian rivers and streams (more than 6000) are analysed herein using geospatial datasets. We aimed to evaluate the country's hydropower potential, assess the outcomes in comparison to other studies, and identify suitable site locations for establishing prospective small hydropower (SHP) plants. Geospatial analysis was extensively used for the country's stream and river data, utilising GIS techniques. The power potential was assessed based on the physical properties of the stream channel, such as stream channel gradient and mean annual flow, according to the updated specific runoff map. Analysed rivers and streams were segmented into single river reaches. Longitudinal river profiles were generated using the digital elevation model employed in this research to validate and compare them with earlier assessments. Various patterns were employed to model hydropower potential, and the resulting estimates were then compared with those from previous evaluations. More than 990 potential high-energy-intensity stream locations suitable for establishing small hydropower plants were discovered. These datasets and updated technical hydropower potential (nearly 36 GW) in the country were statistically analysed. The SHP potential, including uncertainty quantification, was estimated at 7154 MW ± 4220 MW. Their summaries are necessary for decision-makers to advance small hydro projects.