Hydroelectric power plants are a significant source of electricity in India, providing a clean and renewable energy source. Hydroelectric power plants utilize the energy of falling water to generate electricity. In India, hydroelectric power plants are typically located in mountainous regions where there is an abundant supply of water.
There are two main types of hydroelectric power plants: storage and run-of-the-river. Storage hydroelectric power plants have a dam and reservoir, which stores water and releases it as needed to generate electricity. Run-of-the-river hydroelectric power plants do not have a dam or reservoir and rely on the natural flow of water to generate electricity.
India has a total installed capacity of 45,500 MW of hydroelectric power, which accounts for around 17% of the country's total installed power capacity. The northern and northeastern states of India have the highest potential for hydroelectric power due to their mountainous terrain and abundant water resources.
The benefits of hydroelectric power plants in India are numerous. They provide a reliable and clean source of electricity, as they do not produce any greenhouse gases or other pollutants. Hydroelectric power plants also have a relatively low cost of operation and maintenance compared to other forms of electricity generation.
However, there are also some challenges associated with hydroelectric power plants in India. One of the main challenges is the construction and maintenance of dams, which can have negative impacts on local communities and ecosystems. The construction of dams can lead to the displacement of people, as well as the flooding of land and destruction of natural habitats.
Despite these challenges, hydroelectric power plants in India have played a crucial role in meeting the country's growing energy needs. As the demand for electricity in India continues to increase, it is likely that hydroelectric power will continue to be an important source of electricity for the country.
Top 10 Largest Hydropower Plants in India
In addition, MNRE has also identified 5,718 sites aggregating to 15,384. Retrieved 27 June 2016. The Koyna hydroelectric power project is the largest in India, with a total installed capacity of generating 1,960 megawatts of hydroelectricity. Electricity is an indispensable part of human lives and without electricity, it is impossible to imagine our lives these days. The development of the Hydroelectric Power Plants in India started in 1897, and at present, India is the fifth largest producer of hydroelectricity, with a capacity of 47,057 MW. Largest head hydro power projects: Highest head hydro power plant commissioned so far in India is Suruliar 979.
Tata Power
The Tehri Dam was designed in 1972, but the actual construction began onlyin 1978, after several delays due to social activities. In 1931, the old machinery of the project was replaced for more-efficient triple-phase transmission. Dams are a great asset to the country as it helps develop agriculture, holds flood water, prevent electricity shortage and tend to drought-ridden areas. Hydroelectric power plants are created around dams, rivers and turbines whereby the water from these sources create reservoirs where the water is stored for future use. Unlike diesel power plants or thermal power plants which require diesel or coal to run, hydropower plants require only water. The Bhakra canal provides water for irrigation to 40,000 km² of land in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Bhakra Nangal Dam State- Himachal Pradesh River- Satluj 1948 It is used by both Punjab and Haryana.
List of run
PFRs prepared would serve useful purpose of fixing the inter-se priority for implementation of schemes and also as a basis and reference for taking up on surveys and investigations and preparation of detailed project reports of these hydroelectric schemes. One of the most common forms of power generation since this form of energy neither produces any direct waste matter nor is subjected to exhaustion. Bansagar Hydroelectric Project Sone River Madhya Pradesh 1991 435MW 28. The Konya Hydroelectric project is a complex of four dams, including one of the largest dams on the Koyna River, i. Therefore, there is a large scope for hydro power development in India. Retrieved 11 May 2014. Koyna hydroelectric project is currently the largest completed project in India, settled in the western ghats, with the generators installed deep in the mountains.