http://www.newkerala.com/news3.php?action=fullnews&id=4918
<The chief minister, interacting with Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde during launching of Goa State Load Despatch Centre last evening here, disclosed state's plans to have multiple dams across Mandovi river basin and generate hydro-power.> Check this out: http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=129423 Hows and whys of hydropower Posted online: Monday, June 05, 2006 at 0000 hours IST The government is trying to invite the private sector to develop hydropower stations and add to the existing generating capacity. Although private companies have shown some interest, they are unlikely to set up large projects because of hydro's huge fund requirement and long gestation period. However, on the other hand, the country needs multi-purpose projects like the Bhakra Nangal and Narmada not only to generate power but also to provide water for irrigation. In view of the importance of hydro projects, fe takes a Closer Look at the need and potential for developing this sector. What is the potential for developing hydro projects? India, according to official estimates, has the potential to generate as much as 84,000 mw of hydropower at a 60% load factor, translating into 1,48,700 mw of installed capacity. There is also a potential to produce around 7,000 mw of power from small, mini and micro hydel schemes. In addition, the government has identified 56 pumped storage projects with probable capacity of 94,000 mw. Thus, the total hydro-electric capacity potential has been pegged at around 2.5 lakh mw. However, only 15% of the potential has been harnessed and 7% is under various stages of development. What are the advantages of developing hydro projects? The biggest advantage is that it uses a renewable source of energy. Unlike a thermal project, it does not involve burning of fossil fuel. The water used in rotating turbines can be reused. It produces clean and environment-friendly energy. Second, the cost of generating power is very little. Since it does not involve burning of fuel, inflation does not push up the generating cost, once the project has been developed. Third, storage-based hydro schemes provide attendant benefits of irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply, navigation, recreation, tourism, pisciculture, etc. As most such projects are located in backward areas, they lead to development of interior regions. Facilities concerning education, medical, road communication, telecommunication, etc come up as part of the developmental process. Fourth, hydro projects are used for 'peaking' purposes. What it means is that hydel projects are well-suited to meet sudden increase/decrease in demand for power. The demand for power, it may be mentioned, surges up and down during the course of a day. The ability of hydro projects to quickly start and stop generation is helpful in meeting such fluctuating demand. Unlike hydro projects, it is not possible to quickly start or stop generation from either thermal or gas-based projects. The problem is still more difficult in case of nuclear projects. In addition, the life of a hydro electric project is very long. The first such project, which was developed at Darjeeling in 1897, is still in operation. Projects like Bhakra Nangal have served the nation well, contributing to the success of the 'Green Revolution.' What are the disadvantages of setting up hydro projects? The main disadvantage of large hydro projects is that it involves displacement of a large number of people. It is not easy to rehabilitate people and provide them with adequate livelihood opportunities. The second disadvantage is that such projects destroy flora and fauna, the cost of which cannot be assessed in monetary terms. Third, development of large reservoirs can create ecological problems. For instance, excessive rains and earthquake can create problems and may result in large scale loss of life and property. Such threats will remain. On the non-ecological front, hydro electric project construction is very expensive as compared to thermal or gas-based projects of similar magnitude. It has always been difficult to find long-term finance for developing such projects. The gestation period of developing a hydel project is very long. It needs lot of planning and there is always a fear of geological surprise which may delay completion of project and push up the cost. What is the ideal hydro-thermal mix? According to some experts the ideal hydro-thermal mix for a country like India should be 40:60. It means 40% of the power in the country should be generated from hydel. The share of hydel power was as high as 44% in 1970. However, over the years, despite high potential, its share had declined to 25% in 1998. This imbalance is also taking its toll on thermal generation. The National Policy for Hydro Power Development has pointed out that because of the imbalance, many thermal stations, especially in the eastern and western regions, have to 'back down' during off-peak hours of consumption. This leads to poor capacity utilisation. -------------- Any comments regarding the fate of cruise boats, barges etc on the Mandovi? Cheers. _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list (Goanet@goanet.org)