PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for hydropower projects worth more than 11,000 crore.
Context
PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for hydropower projects worth more than 11,000 crore.
Important hydropower projects
- Renukaji Dam project: The project was lying pending for around three decades. The 40 MW project will be built at a cost of around Rs 7,000 crore. It will generate electricity for the hill state and will provide 500 million cubic metre water supply per year to the national capital.
- Luhri Stage 1 Hydro Power Project: The 210 MW project will be built at a cost of over Rs 1,800 crore. It will lead to generation of over 750 million units of electricity per year. The modern and dependable grid support will prove beneficial to the surrounding states of the region as well.
- Dhaulasidh Hydro Power Project: This will be the first hydropower project of Hamirpur district. The 66 MW project will be built at a cost of over Rs 680 crore. It will lead to generation of over 300 million units of electricity per year.
- Sawra-Kuddu Hydro Power Project: The 111 MW project has been built at a cost of around Rs 2,080 crore. It will lead to generation of over 380 million units of electricity per year, and help the state earn revenue worth over Rs 120 crore annually.
Hydropower potential in the Himalayan region
- The Himalayas possess great potential for hydroelectric power production.
- Currently about 70% of India’s power is produced via fossil fuels.
- There are several benefits to developing hydropower plants in the Himalayas including a more sustainable method of producing energy, it would be locally-produced, and the characteristics of the rivers are optimal for this type of production. I
- ndia is fifth in the world when it comes to hydroelectric power potential but this currently only accounts for 12% of the country’s total energy production (2018).
- The reasons that the Himalayas are considered prime territory for hydroelectric power is largely because of the topography.
- The steep terrain of the mountains and nature of the Himalayan rivers makes it ideal for generating power.
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