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Hydropower Challenges Amidst Climate Variability

GS-3 Mains Exam : Hydropower Challenges

Revision Notes

Question : “Hydropower remains a vital component of the renewable energy mix despite facing significant challenges.” Elaborate on the significance of hydropower as a renewable energy source.

Key Points:

• Droughts and floods, intensified by climate change, threaten hydropower generation.
• Recent droughts in Colombia and Ecuador severely impacted hydropower, forcing Ecuador to declare a state of emergency.
• Hydropower accounts for over 80% of electricity generation in countries like DR Congo, Ethiopia, and Zambia, many of which are facing droughts.

Hydropower:

• One of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy.
• Uses the natural flow of water to generate electricity.
• Currently generates more electricity than all other renewable technologies combined.
• Expected to remain the world’s largest source of renewable electricity generation into the 2030s.

Classification of Hydro Projects (Based on Installed Capacity):

• Micro: Upto 100 KW
• Mini: 101KW to 2 MW
• Small: 2 MW to 25 MW
• Mega: Hydro projects with installed capacity >= 500 MW

Hydropower in India:

• Contributes 12.5% of power generation in 2022-23.
• India has about 4745.6 MW pumped storage capacity in operation in 2023.
• Hilly states like Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand hold the most potential.
• Other potential states include Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Significance of Hydro Power:

• Renewable Energy Source: Relies on the water cycle, continuously replenished by rainfall and snowmelt.
• Clean Energy: Produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.
• Reliable and Predictable: Provides consistent and reliable electricity unlike solar and wind.
• Flexible and Controllable: Output can be quickly adjusted to match electricity demand.
• Multipurpose Use: Provides flood control, irrigation, water supply, and recreational opportunities.
• Long Lifespan: Hydropower infrastructure can last over 50 years with proper maintenance.

Challenges of Large-Scale Hydropower Projects

• Environmental Impact
  • Disrupts ecosystems and fish habitats
  • Alters local biodiversity
  • Causes sediment buildup and water temperature changes downstream
• Social Impacts
  • Displaces communities
  • Disrupts livelihoods of those relying on rivers
• High Initial Costs
  • Significant upfront investment required
• Climate Change Vulnerability
  • Reliant on consistent water flow
  • Affected by variations in precipitation patterns and glacial melt
  • 8.5% drop in hydroelectricity globally over the last two decades (UK thinktank)
• Sedimentation
  • Dams trap sediment
  • Reservoirs fill up with sediment over time
  • Reduces capacity and impacts efficiency of hydropower facilities
• Maintenance Challenges
  • Requires regular maintenance for safe and efficient operation

Way Ahead

• Diversify power sources with other renewables (wind, solar)
• Floating solar panels on hydropower plant surfaces (China, Brazil)
• Build more medium-scale plants to mitigate climate risks
• Global hydropower expansion expected to slow down this decade without major policy changes

 

Source https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/hydropower-drought-9302102/