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Performance and Development of SHPs
in Uttarakhand
Importance of SHPs
Small hydro power Projects (SHPs) are an important, appropriate and profitable than other energy supply options and is a part of the full menu of energy options to be considered in meeting the needs of rural people more so in the remote and isolated locations in the hilly terrain of the state of Uttarakhand. SHPs compares well with the alternative energy supply options and has an important niche in the range of decentralized energy supply options. This niche is tightly demonstrated defined by the availability of adequate small-scale resource and as sufficiently concentrated density of demand, consisting of a need combined with purchasing power, to take advantage of a centralized, albeit small, power plant. SHPs have a great social bearing as it can provide rural people with electricity and create a sense of belonging to the modern world besides providing energy that can assist in securing the livelihoods of marginalized people. The SHPs are financially sustainable under the following conditions:-
1. A high load factor
2. A financially sustainable end-use
3. Costs are contained by good design and management.
There is a constraint in that costs of SHPs rise with the remoteness of the location but the cost of alternative
options particularly diesel generator) may rise faster. SHPs in Uttaranchal in short will play an important role as growth engines for developing the economy of rural area which is isolated and remotely located.
Uttarakhand has an estimated capacity of 1478 MW
of SHP out of approximately estimated capacity of 20263 MW. The estimated capacity of small hydro projects of Uttaranchal is 7.3% of total estimated
capacity of Hydro power in Uttaranchal and 10.23% of targeted contribution of Hydro in 10th Five Year Plan.
Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. is primarily responsible for the development of Small Hydro power project in the state of Uttaranchal and is a nodal agency for the speedy development of the same.
In view of the above Government of
Uttarakhand as well as Government of India are facilitating the development of small hydro projects in the state of Uttaranchal. The Small hydro projects have following distinct advantages:
a. Hydro power involves a clean process of power generation.
b. It is a renewable source of energy and contributes to the upliftment of the rural masses, especially projects located in remote and inaccessible areas.
c. It is the most cost effective option for power supply because it does not suffer from the limitation on account of fuel consumption.
d. Most small hydro projects in
Uttarakhand are being developed in remote and backward areas where substantial support for economic development is actually needed.
e. Small hydro power contributes in solving the low voltage problem in the remote hilly areas and helping reducing the losses in transmission and distribution.
f. In certain cases projects are helpful in providing drinking water and irrigation facilities.
g. It helps in promoting the local industries in remote areas.
h. The development of small hydro projects requires minimum rehabilitation and resettlement as well as environmental problems.
i. Small hydro projects help in generating self employment in remote areas of the state.
j. Small hydro power projects helps in providing stable electricity supply at remote areas where such facility by other source shall be much costlier and unreliable.
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