Question : RENEWED INTEREST IN SMALL HYDRO STATIONS

(a) whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the renewed interest in small hydro stations in various countries to exploit power potential of every little discharge and every small head available in running canals or distributors by using tabular turbines ;

(b) if so, whether the Government are considering to exploit power potential of every little discharge and every small head available in running canals or distributors ;

(c) if so, the details thereof ; and

(d) if not, the reasons therefor ?

MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY SOURCES (SHRI M. KANNAPPAN)

(a),(b),(c)&(d): Yes, Sir. The Ministry is giving incentives for exploiting the power potential of canal drops and small rivers for setting up small hydro power stations including those using tubular turbines, both in the Government as well as the private sectors. These include incentives for detailed survey & investigation, detailed project report preparation and subsidy to set up SHP projects. So far 469 small hydro power projects aggregating 1530 MW have been set up in the country, including those on canal drops and small rivers.