Hydropower Detailed Study Notes for the UGC-NET Paper 1 Exams

Hydropower, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydroelectric power, is a renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy, with a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. Hydropower plants are built on rivers and streams, where the kinetic energy of water is converted into mechanical energy by turbines, which in turn drives generators to produce electricity. Hydropower plays a significant role in global energy production, providing a clean, reliable, and sustainable source of electricity.

Hydropower is one of the widely asked topics such as the UGC-NET Paper 1 Examination.

In this article, the readers will be able to know about hydropower along with certain other related topics in detail.

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What is Hydropower?

Hydropower meaning, also known as hydroelectric power, is a renewable energy source that harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. It is one of the oldest and most widely used forms of renewable energy, with a history dating back thousands of years. Hydropower plants are typically constructed on rivers and streams, where the potential energy of water flowing from a higher elevation to a lower elevation is converted into mechanical energy by turbines.

Advantages of Hydropower

The advantages are stated below.

• Renewable and Sustainable: Hydropower is a renewable energy source, relying on the natural water cycle and gravity to generate electricity. As long as there is rainfall and rivers continue to flow, hydropower can be harnessed indefinitely, making it a sustainable energy option.
• Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, hydropower generation produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions. It helps reduce the carbon footprint of electricity generation, contributing to efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce air pollution.
• Reliable and Predictable: Hydropower provides reliable and predictable electricity generation. Unlike some other renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions, hydropower can be easily controlled and adjusted to meet electricity demand, providing stability to the grid.
• Flexible Operation: Hydropower plants can be designed for flexible operation, allowing them to quickly respond to changes in electricity demand. They can ramp up or down their output within minutes, making them valuable for balancing the intermittent nature of other renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
• Water Management: Hydropower projects often involve the construction of reservoirs, which can serve multiple purposes beyond electricity generation. These reservoirs can be used for water storage, flood control, irrigation, and municipal water supply, providing valuable water management benefits to communities.
• Long Lifespan and Low Operating Costs: Hydropower infrastructure, including dams, turbines, and generators, typically has a long lifespan, lasting for several decades with proper maintenance. Once constructed, hydropower plants have relatively low operating and maintenance costs compared to fossil fuel-based power plants.
• Job Creation and Economic Development: The development and operation of hydropower projects can create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, particularly in rural areas where many hydropower resources are located. These projects often require skilled labor for construction, operation, and maintenance, supporting local economies.
• Energy Independence and Security: Hydropower reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy independence and security for countries with abundant water resources. It reduces reliance on volatile international energy markets and strengthens domestic energy resilience.

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Hydropower Projects in India

The projects has been stated below.

• Tehri Dam: Located on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, the Tehri Dam is one of the tallest dams in India and Asia. It has an installed capacity of over 1,000 MW and serves multiple purposes, including hydropower generation, irrigation, and flood control.
• Nathpa Jhakri Dam: Situated on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, the Nathpa Jhakri Dam is one of the largest hydropower projects in India. With an installed capacity of around 1,500 MW, it is a run-of-the-river project that harnesses the flow of the river to generate electricity.
• Bhakra-Nangal Dam: The Bhakra-Nangal Dam, located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh, is one of the oldest and largest multipurpose river valley projects in India. It has an installed hydropower capacity of over 1,300 MW and serves irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation purposes.
• Srisailam Dam: Situated on the Krishna River in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Srisailam Dam is a multipurpose project that includes hydropower generation along with irrigation and water supply. It has an installed capacity of around 1,670 MW.
• Indirasagar Dam: Located on the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, the Indirasagar Dam is part of the Narmada Valley Project. It has an installed hydropower capacity of around 1,000 MW and serves irrigation, water supply, and power generation purposes.
• Koyna Hydroelectric Project: Situated on the Koyna River in Maharashtra, the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is one of the largest completed hydroelectric power plants in India. It has an installed capacity of around 2,900 MW and is a significant source of electricity for Maharashtra.
• Sardar Sarovar Dam: Also part of the Narmada Valley Project, the Sardar Sarovar Dam is located on the Narmada River in Gujarat. It has an installed capacity of over 1,450 MW and serves irrigation, water supply, and hydropower generation purposes.

Conclusion

Hydropower stands as a crucial pillar of the renewable energy landscape, offering numerous benefits including clean electricity generation, water management, flood control, and recreational opportunities. Despite its advantages, hydropower projects must be carefully planned and managed to minimize environmental impacts and respect the rights and interests of local communities. With continued innovation and investment, hydropower holds great potential to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

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