Hydropower Development in India: Status, Issues & Challenges A.B. Pandya Member (D&R) Central Water Commission
Why Hydropower?
Hydropower is perpetual source of energy as sustainable option with least carbon footprints
Global GlobalEnergy EnergyScenario Scenario Today Today Fossil 85 Fossilfuels fuels 85%% Nuclear 44%% Nuclear Hydro 99%% Hydro New NewRenewables Renewables 22%%
Why Hydropower? -----
Judicious JudiciousMix Mix
The country could have eliminated the peaking power shortages totally under the same MW installed & under the same investment, had we gone for a judicious Hydro -Thermal mix
HYDRO : THERMAL MIX Change with time
The Power Sector seems to have lost its ‘sense of proportion’ down the line.
From a Hydro: Thermal Mix of 45:55 during the late 60’s, it has today landed to a mind - boggling proportion of 25:75
Hydro Power Represents Non - Consumptive , Non - Radioactive, Non - Polluting Use of water resources towards
Inflation free Renewable Energy Development With
Most Mature Technology, Highest Prime Moving Efficiency, Spectacular Operational flexibility, reliability & efficiency of power system and Multifarious benefits such as flood-mitigation, drinking water supply, ground water recharge, Irrigation, navigation and tourism
POSITIVE IMPACTS OF HYDRO POWER PROJECTS
Hydro Power Potential
Hydro Power Potential Region Wise Distribution
Total: 84044 MW at 60%Load Factor
Hydro Power Development 250000 210952
200000 150000
132329 105046
100000
85795 63636
50000
42585
14460
21658
18308
26269
34654
39339
0 6th Plan(3/85)
7th Plan(3/90)
8th Plan(3/97)
Total generating capacity
9th Plan(3/02)
10th Plan(3/07) 11th Plan (upto 31-Mar-2011)
Hydro generating capacity
Slow Hydro growth rate
Hydro Power: Status
Region-wise Hydro Development
Hydro Power Development : Govt. Initiatives for Accelerated Development •
THREE STAGE CLEARANCE PROCEDURE FOR EXPEDITING HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT.
•
ENACTMENT OF ELECTRICITY ACT 2003 ENABLING LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR PRIVATE PARTICIPATION WITH REGULATORY FRAMEWORK.
•
RANKING STUDY BY CEA PRIORITIZING POTENTIAL HYDRO PROJECTS.
•
50,000 MW HYDRO INITIATIVE.
•
LIBERALIZED REVISED HYDRO POLICY 2008 HAVING ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION.
Hydro Power Development : Govt. Initiatives for Accelerated Development •
HON’BLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA LAUNCHED 50,000 MW HYDRO INITIATIVES ON 24TH MAY 2003.
•
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION WAS ACCELERATED AND SEVERAL HYDRO PROJECTS WERE ALLOTED TO IPP’S BY STATE GOVERNMENTS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, UTTARAKHAND, SIKKIM AND ARUNACHAL PRADESH.
•
OUT OF 162 SCHEMES, 42 SCHEMES AGGREGATING TO ALMOST 27,000 MW (> 50%) ARE IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH.
Hydro Power Development : Targets & Govt. Initiatives •To meet the all India peak requirements, a capacity addition of 30,000 MW of hydropower has been planned for 12th Plan (2012-17). •A shelf of 109 candidate hydropower projects aggregating to 30,920 MW having higher level of confidence for realizing benefits during 12 th Plan has been finalised. •Comprehensive transmission system for each basin has been evolved by CEA for development in phased manner. It has been planned to develop entire untapped hydro potential by the end of 14 th Plan (2026-27).
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
The problems arising in acquisition of land for hydro- electric project construction are causing suspension and delay in the construction activities.
This problem may be minimized with the cooperation of concerned state Govts.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
The progress of some of the projects has been severely affected on account of opposition to the construction by environmentalists and project affected people. -Sardar Sarover, - Indira Sagar, - Bansagar Tons - Tehri R& R is becoming a major issue in the implementation of storage-based hydro development. Many times, it is one of the main reasons for the delay in the execution resulting in Time & Cost Over-runs
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
•Projects are affected on account of delay/non-clearance from Environment and Forest aspects. •The impact on ecology, monuments, seismicity, resettlement •and rehabilitation, catchment area treatment, flora and fauna shall be assessed in the environment appraisal of the project. •Forest clearance requires compensatory afforestation on the non forest lands. These aspects need to be looked into carefully to avoid undue problems during clearance and execution of the projects.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
Adverse geological occurrences or geological surprises are the main cause of delays in completion of the projects located in Himalayas. Minimizing geological surprises and meeting geotechnical challenges is key to accelerated development of hydropower.
This requires Well planned investigation schedule Preparation of bankable DPRs Continued investigations/probing during construction Preparedness for handling adverse geological occurrences
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
A substantial hydel power potential has remained locked up and many mega projects could not be taken up because of unresolved InterState issues.
•Need for development of hydro potential without prejudice to the rights of the riparian States as determined by the Awards of the Tribunals/ Agreements arrived at among the party States with regard to water sharing. •A consensus is to be evolved amongst the basin states regarding project location, basic parameters involved and mechanism through which each project would be constructed and operated.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
Disturbed condition in some part of the country is one of the factors causing delay in project execution and even suspension of work. At many places, carrying out of S&I works for preparation of DPR has become a problem.
State Governments should ensure safe working environment.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
Maintaining minimum flows downstream of a project to restore ecology and natural regime of the river are essential.
Quantity of minimum flows shall be project specific , which depends on the project area/location and characteristics of downstream system.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
For development of hydro electric projects located in the remote areas, infrastructural facilities like construction of bridges, strengthening of existing roads, efficient and reliable tele-communication links, better road transport / air services etc. are required for their early implementation. •Development of infrastructural facilities in hydro rich States needs to be planned so as to facilitate hydro development in these States. •Development of infrastructural facilities may be pooled by private developers in a river basin.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
Hydro projects are generally located in remote hilly areas and construction of long transmission lines in difficult terrain for evacuation of power from these projects to the load centres takes considerable time. With State authorities taking time in exercising the option of buying whole power from the private developers, identification of power buyers and power delivery locations takes time, thus, delaying the finalization of transmission system. The transmission system needs to be firmed up well in time so that completion of the transmission lines matches the commissioning schedule of such
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
Most of the available sites for storage schemes are located in the Hill states, whereas the downstream benefits of flood control, drinking water, irrigation etc. become available to the states in the plains. Thus, most of the distress caused by storage schemes occur in the Hill states whereas the benefits are largely in the states in the plains which are perceived to be more prosperous.
ISSUES INVOLVED IN HYDRO POWER DEVELOPMENT 1. 2.
LAND ACQUISITION PROBLEMS RESETTLEMENT & REHABILITATION PROBLEMS 3. ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST ISSUES 4. GEOLOGICAL SURPRISES 5. INTER-STATE ASPECTS 6. LAW & ORDER PROBLEMS 7. REMOTENESS OF SITE 8. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT 9. DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSMISSION SYSTEM 10. STORAGE VS. R-O-R PROJECTS
•Therefore , Hill states prefer R-OR schemes and there is a move to convert identified storage schemes to R-O-R, which is not desirable keeping the larger interest of the country in view. •The type (Storage/ROR) of a hydro project depends upon the topography, geology and hydrology of the area and is site specific.
The storage sites in the country are limited and hence their optimum development would need to be ensured.
Challenges Ahead •Urgent need to evolve long term strategy for development of about 75% of untapped hydro potential •For developing the balance potential by 14th Plan (2026-27), funds requirement would be around Rs 5,70,000 Cr •Storage schemes with flood control & other benefits shall be taken up on priority basis in the imterest of the country •Development of hydro projects shall ensure that inherent low tariff benefit of hydro resource is captured and passed on to consumers •Environment and forest issues need to be sorted out expeditiously
Challenges Ahead •Projects allocated to IPPs shall be closely monitored w.r.t. their schedules of DPR preparation, execution etc. so that sites do not get locked up for long without progress •States to act quickly on the issues related to land acquisition, law & order and infrastructure development •Impetus should be given to development of pumped storage schemes as well as small hydro •Hydro Projects to be provided with special status to attract investment as it brings development & prosperity to the remote areas.
Thank you