What is the potential of hydroelectric power in IndiaIJ
Our country has been graced with abundant hydroelectric potential. India has economically exploitable and viable hydropower potential of 1,45,320 MW (above 25 MW capacity). However, we have not been able to exploit the same for benefit of our people. The total installed capacity in hydro sector, including pump storage, is around 43112 MW. As of now total installed capacity of the country is around 306358 MW and the share of Hydropower in country's generation capacity is only 14%.Thus you see there is a lot of hydro potential to be tapped.
What has been the contribution of hydroelectric power to the gridIJ What holds in the future for the sameIJ
During the last financial year Hydro Power Stations generated around 121341 MUs out of total generation of 11,07,386 MUs i.e. around 11% of total generation. However, it would not be appropriate to view the role of Hydro power in terms of absolute generation alone. The role of hydro power in meeting peak load demand as well as a spinning reserve at the time of grid instability is what makes it such a crucial cog in overall energy portfolio.
We have to appreciate that development of Hydro Power Sector is not about electricity generation only but it is also about developing assets of strategic importance and gaining from the inherent virtues of a clean and green source of energy, to meet the needs of our country.
We are living in times where the concerns about impact of human activities on environment have become a part of our conscience. Therefore Hydropower, which has negligible environment impact, negligible generation of greenhouse gases and rapidly ramping characteristic, shall have an important role to play.
Are there any contingency plans in case of rainfall deficitIJ What are the measures been takenIJ
We have optimised our operation for gaining maximum out of available water for generation. By adopting the industry best practices, our generation has improved continuously, despite the fact that the last two years were overall rain deficient years. However, there is a limit to what one can achieve in these conditions. Storage type plants can save the water to meet the requirement at the time of rainfall deficiency. It can be utilized as water reserve as well as spinning reserve.
Do you think inter linking rivers across India will help the cause of hydroelectric generation and will river linking ever happenIJ
When we talk about inter linking of rivers, the impact and benefits of it goes beyond hydropower. This will be a game changer for the economy of the country. The task ahead is gigantic in nature but I do believe that it is possible to do it and also it is very necessary for a country like ours.
Are there any environmental concerns when it comes to hydroelectric powerIJ
You see despite the fact that hydropower is environmentally the most benign source of power it has faced most hurdles from environmentalists and civil society. The issues raised need to be tackled and accepted with a scientific approach and should not be held ransom to perceptions.
Progress of many projects has been delayed on account of environmental issues. The projects come under public and judicial scrutiny even after having obtained all the requisite clearances. This causes hindrance in the implementation and increase in the project costs, which ultimately results in higher tariff to the consumers.We have had our own share of environmental & R&R issues at NHPC. However by engaging and taking into confidence all the stakeholders, we have been able to get over most of them to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. But every situation is different and you need to tackle it differently and it may require out of the box solutions. There can be no tailor made solution for every project.
I personally consider that communities residing in and around the project areas should be made a key stakeholder in the future projects. This will go a long way in addressing the environmental and R&R concerns of the project affected communities.