Question : Hydro Power Potential of the Country

(a) whether the shortage of power in the country is likely to be done away with the time based generation of hydel power by increasing the abundant water flow available in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether hydel power is a renewable, pollution free and an environment friendly source of energy; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Government for the time-bound development hydro power capacity so as to ensure its proper use for the benefit of people and for the development of the country?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER AND
NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY

( SHRI R. K. SINGH )

(a) & (b) : The quantum of power generated from hydro projects depends on the availability of water which varies from day to day and year to year. Hydro projects have the ability of instantaneous starting, stopping and load variation (can operate at peak load or part load with fast ramp-up/ramp-down capability as per requirement), thereby being ideally suited for providing balancing and peaking power for stabilizing the grid in addition to the spinning reserves and black start capability. As such, the hydro projects can help in meeting the shortages by proper scheduling. The overall shortage in meeting the energy requirement & peak demand is of the order of only 1% & 2% respectively in Feb’ 2018.

(c) & (d) : Hydel Power is a replenishable, pollution free, clean, green, sustainable and an environmental friendly source of energy. Hydro Power, above 25 MW, is not declared a renewable energy source in India.

The steps taken by the Government for time bound development of Hydro Power capacity of the Country are as under:

• Central Electricity Authority (CEA) monitors the progress of power projects under construction through frequent site visits and interaction with the developers and equipment suppliers. CEA holds review meetings periodically with the developers and other stakeholders to identify and resolve issues critical for commissioning of Projects.

• Regular reviews are also undertaken in Ministry of Power (MoP) to identify the constraints areas and facilitate faster resolution of inter-ministerial and other outstanding issues.

• A Power Project Monitoring Panel (PPMP), set up by the MoP, independently follows up and monitors the progress of the hydro projects.

• Issues are also raised in PRAGATI, for proactive governance and timely implementation, as and when required.

• In case of CPSU’s, the project implementation parameters / milestones are incorporated in the annual MoU signed between respective CPSU’s and MoP and the same are monitored during the Quarterly Performance Review (QPR) meetings of CPSU’s and other meetings held in MoP/CEA.

• The issues related to erection and supply of Electro-Mechanical equipment is expedited in various meetings held in CEA / MoP and other local issues affecting the progress of works are taken up with respective State Governments by the concerned CPSU / MoP.


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