ABSTRACT
Of all the non-conventional renewable energy sources, small hydro represents ‘highest density’ resource and stands in the first place in generation of electricity from such sources throughout the world. Global installed capacity of Small Hydro is around 47,000 MW against the estimated potential of 180,000 MW.
India has a history of 100 years in Small Hydro. However the country switched on early to larger hydro and pursued the same reaching an installed capacity of 21,000 MW with only 500 MW of Small Hydro. Of late, environment driven awareness seems to have reminded us that what India needs is not the mass production but production by masses in a decentralised manner respecting the ‘carrying capacity’ of modular eco-systems.
The paper highlights the benefits of Small Hydro, giving an account of its potential in hilly as well as plain regions of India. Mini Hydel potential at thermal power plant cooling water tail ends is also indicated as a fine example of energy retrieval, efficiency and conservation. Tracing the history of Small Hydro development in India, the paper details the recent Government support to the private sector participation in the national programme.
Fiscal and financial incentives by Central Government and policy framework provided by State Governments are attracting private investments in Small Hydro. A quality package of 100 MW World Bank initiative (to be followed by another line of credit for 200 MW) on Small Hydro operated in an entrepreneur friendly environment is likely to spin off a promising techno-commercial scenario paving the way for attractive business opportunity in Small Hydro. UNDP-GEF initiative on hilly hydels in Himalayas is also likely to enhance interest in Small Hydro.
Technology variations are necessary to suit different ‘head-discharge’ combinations and to optimize the designs in Small Hydro schemes. While the paper presents a technology matrix of World Bank sponsored projects, it needs to be pointed out that technology adaptation for Indian conditions of geology and silt loads is going to be an important feature of the National programme, besides appropriate technology for socially oriented programmes like portable micro hydel scheme for remote and isolated communities.
Environmental aspects of Small Hydro with emphasis on mitigation of already low levels of negative impacts and enhancement of positive impacts typically associated with water resource projects, are discussed in the backdrop of Indian perceptions of hydro development. The paper visualises the emerging scenario and concludes with strategies for future.
