Analisis Potensi Energi Air Pada Bendungan Mentawa Kecamatan Toili Barat Sebagai Alternatif Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Mikro-Hidro

The increasing need for electrical energy in Indonesia encourages the development of new renewable energy (EBT), including hydroelectric power plants (PLTA) as an environmentally friendly solution. This research was conducted at the Mentawa Dam, West Toili District, Banggai Regency, Central Sulawesi, to analyze the potential of water energy that can be utilized as a source of micro-hydro power plants (PLTMH). This dam currently functions as irrigation and a tourist attraction, but has significant potential to generate sustainable electrical energy. The research methods include measuring water discharge using the float method, measuring the height of the water fall (head) with an altimeter and GPS, and analyzing the potential for electrical power using the formula P = η ⋅ ρ ⋅ g ⋅ Q ⋅ H. The measurement results show an average water discharge of 3.01 m³ / s and a water fall (head) of 6.56 meters. With a turbine efficiency of 80%, the potential electrical power that can be generated reaches 154.76 kW.
This study recommends the use of Kaplan turbines in Mentawa Dam, which are ideal for large discharge conditions and low to medium heads, and can adapt to discharge fluctuations, making it an optimal choice to maximize energy potential. This research is expected to provide sustainable energy solutions for the people of Toili Barat District and support the development of the tourism sector.