Context: Hydropower offers a cheap, fast and sustainable solution to meet peak demand given the low variable cost and the availability of many perennial rivers.
Reasons for promoting Hydel Power in India
High Operational efficiency they are efficient than thermal and gas based projects; Reasons being -
Ideal to meet peak load compared to thermal power plants (as they can provide electricity within three to five minutes from being switched on). (gas projects take 30 minutes)
Provide backup till the time that thermal projects start operating at a minimum threshold of 30% of their installed capacity.
Solves energy storage problems through hydro pump storage schemes for utility-scale projects.
Increase share of renewable energy basket:
India being the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China targets to add 45 GW of hydropower capacity and450GW renewable energy target by 2030.
Green Energy: as it does not cause emissions
Strategic imperative:
Of the eight river basins in Arunachal Pradesh, Subansiri, Lohit, and Siang are of strategic importance as they are closer to the border with China.
India is expediting strategic hydropower projects in J&K following the reorganization.
Sharing water under the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 is strategically vital in the context of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region.
China’s ambitious $62 billion south-north water diversion scheme raises concern for India.
Socioeconomic relevance: hydropower projects play key role in the development and integration of India’s north-east region with the mainland.
Concerns and Challenges
Ecological and environmental issues:
For e.g. Nyamjang Chhu hydroelectric project in the Arunachal Pradesh, is home to endangered black-necked crane, Red panda, Himalayan black bear, Musk deer, local Monpa tribe, medicinal plants and rare orchids.
Large multilateral lenders being averse to such projects due to ecological and social sensitivity.
High hydropower tariff: around 100GW of electricity potential in India’s rivers is lying untapped and DISCOMS are reluctant to sign power purchase agreements for hydropower because of high tariffs.
Developing hydropower projects is complex process: as it is time-consuming (long gestation period) requiring thorough survey and investigation, specialized technology and design, and environmental clearances.