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Hydroelectric Power Plants in India: Powering India with Clean Energy (2023)
Hydroelectric power plants play a critical role in meeting the energy demands of India’s rapidly growing population. These plants harness the power of moving water to generate electricity, providing a clean and renewable source of energy. In recent years, India has made significant investments in the development of its hydroelectric power infrastructure, and today, the country is home to some of the largest hydroelectric power plants in the world.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the current state of hydroelectric power in India, exploring the advantages and challenges associated with this source of energy. From the impact of hydroelectric power on the environment and local communities to the ongoing efforts to improve its efficiency and expand its reach, this blog will provide a comprehensive overview of the role of hydroelectric power in India’s energy landscape.
Recent News
The Indian government has handed over 12 unprofitable hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh to 3 central public sector companies (CPSUs). These projects have a total capacity to generate 11,523 megawatts of electricity and would require at least ₹1,42,000 crore for the CPSUs to build. However, water experts say these large projects are not financially worthwhile. They suggest the government should instead focus on developing smaller, more affordable micro hydro projects.
The 12 hydropower projects are part of India’s goal to have 500 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by 2030. But experts warn these big projects are waste of tax payers money. They say the government should prioritize building smaller, cheaper micro hydro projects. Micro hydro projects can generate up to 100 kilowatts of electricity. Compared to large dams, they are less expensive to construct and operate. Micro hydro projects can also be located in more remote areas.
What is Hydroelectric energy?
Hydroelectric energy is a form of renewable energy generated by harnessing the kinetic energy of falling water to produce electricity. It works by using a dam to store water in a reservoir, which is then released through a turbine to generate power.
Renewable Energy in India
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is aiming to obtain 500 GW of installed energy capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, as stated by the Prime Minister at COP26. As of October 31, 2022, 172.72 GW of capacity from non-fossil fuel sources have been built in the nation. This comprises 119.09 GW of Renewable Energy, 46.85 GW of Large Hydro, and 6.78 GW of Nuclear Power. As of October 31, 2022, this represents 42.26 per cent of the nation’s total installed generating capacity, which is 408.71 gigawatts (GW).
India is 4th in the world in terms of Renewable Energy Installed Capacity (including Large Hydro), 4th in Wind Power Capacity, and 4th in Solar Power Capacity (as per REN21 Renewables 2022 Global Status Report). Between January and October 2022, a total of 14.21 GW of Renewable Energy (RE) capacity was installed, compared to 11.9 GW added between January and October 2021. From January to September 2022, 151.94 BU were generated from RE sources, compared to 128.95 BU from January to September 2021.
Hydroelectric Power Plant
A Hydroelectric Power Plant is a facility that uses the kinetic energy of falling water to generate electricity. It typically consists of a dam that stores water in a reservoir, a turbine connected to a generator, and a control system to regulate the flow of water and produce electricity. The dam releases water from the reservoir through a channel or pipe, which flows over or through a turbine to generate mechanical energy that is converted into electrical energy by a generator.
Advantages of Hydroelectric Energy
- Renewable and Sustainable
- Low operating costs
- Low greenhouse gas emissions
- Reliable and predictable energy source
- Can provide water storage and recreation benefits
- Can improve water quality
- Flexible to accommodate changing energy needs.
Types of Hydroelectric Power Plants
- Run-of-the-River: Uses the flow of water in a river to generate electricity without the need for a large water storage reservoir.
- Reservoir: It uses a dam to store water in a large reservoir, which is then released to generate electricity.
- Pumped-Storage: Uses excess electricity to pump water into a high-elevation reservoir, which is then released to generate electricity during periods of high demand.
- Tidal: Uses the energy from the rise and fall of ocean tides to generate electricity.
- Wave: Uses the energy from ocean waves to generate electricity.
- Micro: Small-scale hydroelectric systems, typically used to provide power to a single building or small community.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Run-of-the-River | Generates electricity by utilizing the natural flow and gradient of a river, without the need for large reservoirs. |
| Reservoir/Storage | Uses a dam to store water in a reservoir and releases it as needed to generate electricity. |
| Pumped-Storage | Involves pumping water from a lower elevation reservoir to a higher elevation one when demand for electricity is low and then releasing it to generate electricity during periods of high demand. |
| Tidal | Generates electricity by harnessing the energy of tidal currents in coastal areas. |
| Wave | Generates electricity by harnessing the energy of ocean waves. |
Northeast India’s potential for Hydro energy
North East India has significant potential for hydroelectric energy:
- The region is characterized by steep topography, numerous rivers and abundant rainfall, making it suitable for hydroelectric projects.
- North Eastern states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Meghalaya have some of the largest hydroelectric power potentials in India.
- The government has identified hydroelectric power as a priority sector for development in the region.
- Projects such as the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project and the Dibang Multi-purpose Project are underway to harness the hydroelectric potential of the region.
- The development of hydroelectric power in the region could help meet the growing energy demand, provide employment opportunities, and support local economic development.
Major Hydroelectric Power Plant in India- NorthEast
Assam:
| Project Name | River |
|---|---|
| Borholla Hydroelectric Project | Borholla River |
| Kopili Hydroelectric Project | Kopili River |
Arunachal Pradesh:
| Project Name | River |
|---|---|
| Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project | Subansiri River |
| Kameng Hydroelectric Project | Kameng River |
| Ranganadi Hydroelectric Project | Ranganadi River |
| Naying hydropower project | Siyom River |
| Emini hydropower project | Emini River |
| Etalin Hydro Power Project | Dibang River |
| PARE HYDRO POWER STATION | – |
| KAMENG HYDRO POWER STATION | – |
| PANYOR LOWER HYDRO POWER STATION | – |
| DIBANG HYDROPOWER PROJECT (In Progress) | – |
| LOWER SUBANSIRI HYDROPOWER PROJECT (In Progress) | – |
Meghalaya:
| Project Name | River |
|---|---|
| Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Project | Umiam and Umtru River |
| Myntdu Leshka Hydroelectric Project | Myntdu River |
| Simsang Hydroelectric Project | Simsang River |
Mizoram:
| Project Name | River |
|---|---|
| TUIRIAL HYDRO POWER STATION | – |
Nagaland:
| Project Name | River |
|---|---|
| Doyang Hydroelectric Project | Doyang River |
| Dikhu Hydroelectric Project | Dikhu River |
| DOYANG HYDRO POWER STATION | – |
PARE HYDRO POWER STATION
Pare Hydro Power Station is a run-of-the-river scheme to harness the hydropower of the Dikrong River (a tributary of river Brahmaputra) and is located at Sopo, Papum Pare District, Arunachal Pradesh. The Station also utilizes the Tail race discharge of the 405 MW Ranganadi Hydro Power Station. The installed capacity of the Plant is 110 MW, with a catchment area of 824 sq. Km and design head of 67.36m.
Kameng Hydro Power Station
The Kameng Hydro Power Station is a run-of-the-river hydroelectric project that utilizes the power of the Bichom and Tenga Rivers, both tributaries of the Kameng River, to generate electricity. The Station is located in Kimi, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh and features two dams on the Bichom and Tenga Rivers. The Station has an installed capacity of 600 MW and a catchment area of 2277 sq. km (Bichom) and 1019 sq. km (Tenga) with a design head of 504 m.
Panyor Lower Hydro Power Station
Panyor Lower Hydro Power Station (formerly Ranganadi Hydro Power Station) is a run-of-the-river scheme with a small pondage to harness the hydropower of Ranganadi River with the Power House located at Hoz, Papum Pare District and the Dam located at Lower Subansiri District, Arunachal Pradesh. The installed capacity of the Plant is 405 MW with a catchment area of 1894 sq. Km and design head of 304 m.
Dibang Multi-purpose Project
The Dibang Hydroelectric Power Project is a proposed multi-purpose facility on the Dibang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The Project, with a planned installed capacity of 2,880 MW, will be the largest hydropower plant in the country.
The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation, a state-run organization in India, will develop the Project with an estimated investment of $4bn. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs of the Government of India approved $232mn for pre-investment expenditure on the Project in July 2019.
The Dibang hydropower project is set to be commissioned in 2028 and is projected to produce 11,222 million units of electricity annually while mitigating monsoon-season floods in downstream areas to a capacity of 3000m³/s. Located on the Dibang River in the Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh, the Project is designed to function as both a hydropower facility and a flood control measure.
The dam site is situated approximately 1.5 km upstream from the confluence of the Ashu Pani and Dibang rivers and 43 km from Roing, the district headquarters. During the monsoon season, the Project aims to mitigate floods to a capacity of 3000 cumecs in areas downstream of the Dibang Dam.
It is important to mention that the Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary are located about 14 km and 35 km away from the reservoir periphery of the Project, respectively.
LOWER SUBANSIRI HYDROPOWER PROJECT
The 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project is located on the Subansiri River at the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India. It is the largest hydroelectric Project in India, using a run-of-the-river scheme. The project site is near North Lakhimpur, with the nearest railhead being Nagaon and the nearest airport being Lilabari or Dibrugarh. It is expected to generate an estimated annual energy output of 7421.59 million units in a year with 90% dependability.
The building of the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project (LSHEP) began in 2005 and was originally slated to finish in 2010. However, its progress was hindered by concerns over its environmental impact, leading to protests and opposition. Despite being over 50% complete in 2013, construction was halted indefinitely due to the opposition, causing the Project’s target completion date to be pushed back to 2017. Now, it’s anticipated to be finished by 2023 and will be the largest hydroelectric Plant in India once completed.
Doyang Hydro Power Station
Doyang Hydro Power Station is a medium-head storage type hydroelectric power plant located in the Wokha district, Nagaland, India. It harnesses the hydropower of the Doyang River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, and has an installed capacity of 75 MW, with a catchment area of 2606 square km and a design head of 67 meters.
The Plant stores water in a reservoir and uses the kinetic energy of falling water to generate electricity, making it a type of “Reservoir” type hydroelectric power plant. The Doyang Hydro Power Station provides a significant contribution to the region’s power generation capacity, helping to meet the growing energy demand and support sustainable development.
Tuirial Hydro Power Station
Tuirial Hydro Power Station is a medium-head storage type hydroelectric power plant located in the Indian state of Mizoram. It harnesses the hydropower of the Tuirial River and has an installed capacity of 60 MW, with a catchment area of 1861 square km and a design head of 53 meters.
The Plant stores water in a reservoir and uses the kinetic energy of falling water to generate electricity, making it a type of “Reservoir” type hydroelectric power plant. The Tuirial Hydro Power Station provides a significant contribution to the region’s power generation capacity, helping to meet the growing energy demand and support sustainable development.
Kopili Hydro Power Station
Kopili Hydro Power Station is a storage-type hydroelectric power plant located in Umrangso, Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. It harnesses the hydropower of the Kopili River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, and the Umrong stream, a tributary of the Kopili River. The Plant has two dams, the Khandong Dam and the Umrong Dam, which receive the inflow of the Kopili River and Umrong stream, respectively.
The installed capacity of the Station is 275 MW, with a catchment area of 1256 square km and design heads of 99 meters for the Khandong PS (50 MW) and Khandong Stage II PS (25 MW) and 326.5 meters for the Kopili PS (200 MW). The Kopili Hydro Power Station was the maiden venture of NEEPCO (North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited) when it came into existence in 1976 and provided a significant contribution to the region’s power generation capacity.
Etalin Hydroelectric Project
The Etalin Hydroelectric Project (EHEP) was a proposed 3,097-megawatt hydropower project developed by a joint venture between Jindal Power Ltd and the Hydropower Development Corporation of Arunachal Pradesh Ltd in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
The Project combined two run-of-the-river schemes with limited storage and required the construction of concrete gravity dams on the Tangon and Dri rivers. However, due to the potential environmental threats posed by the Project, particularly the required diversion of 1,165.66 hectares of forest land and the felling of over 280,000 trees in the area, the Project has been scrapped in its current form. The decision to scrap the Project reflects the growing concern over the protection of biodiversity hotspots and the need to balance economic development with environmental protection.
Disadvantages of Hydro Electric Projects
Hydroelectric projects can have various environmental impacts, some of which are:
- Deforestation: Large areas of forest land may need to be cleared for the construction of dams, reservoirs, and associated infrastructure.
- Loss of wildlife habitat: Flooding of large areas of land can displace wildlife, alter migration patterns, and result in the loss of habitats.
- Changes in water flow: Changes in the flow of rivers due to damming or diversion can alter the natural hydrology of a region and affect the health of aquatic ecosystems.
- Disruption of migration patterns: Dams can block the migration of fish species, affecting their populations and altering the food chain.
- Soil erosion: The construction of dams and reservoirs can cause soil erosion, leading to increased sedimentation in downstream areas.
- Water pollution: The release of chemicals, such as mercury, from flooded areas into the water system can pollute the water and harm aquatic life.
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions: Reservoirs can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the production of concrete for dam construction can also contribute to emissions.
- Displacement of indigenous communities: Hydroelectric projects can result in the displacement of local communities and the loss of their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods.
| Impact | Description |
|---|---|
| Deforestation | Large areas of forest land may need to be cleared for the construction of dams, reservoirs, and associated infrastructure. |
| Loss of wildlife habitat | Flooding of large areas of land can displace wildlife, alter migration patterns, and result in the loss of habitats. |
| Changes in water flow | Changes in the flow of rivers due to damming or diversion can alter the natural hydrology of a region and affect the health of aquatic ecosystems. |
| Disruption of migration patterns | Dams can block the migration of fish species, affecting their populations and altering the food chain. |
| Soil erosion | Construction of dams and reservoirs can cause soil erosion, leading to increased sedimentation in downstream areas. |
| Water pollution | The release of chemicals, such as mercury, from flooded areas into the water system can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. |
| Increased greenhouse gas emissions | Reservoirs can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the production of concrete for dam construction can also contribute to emissions. |
| Displacement of indigenous communities | Hydroelectric projects can result in the displacement of local communities and the loss of their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods. |
These are some of the environmental issues associated with hydroelectric projects, and it’s important for developers and governments to carefully consider and mitigate these impacts in order to minimize harm to the environment and local communities.
