Small Hydro Power

For a small hydro system to work, all you need to do is simply harness the energy of continual
running water with a turbine, and convert this energy into either DC or AC electricity. Small
hydro power systems are classified as mini, small, and micro depending on the capacity of the
plant. There are already many villages in India and Nepal that have access to small hydro
electricity.
Record shows that small hydro power was introduced in India in 1897 during the time of British
colonization. Various cases have been reported which say the small hydro power installed during
the early 1900s are still in good condition and functioning properly. Only after Independence did
India start working extensively on Small Hydro Power under Five-Year plans. With the effort
made by MNES (Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources) during the period of the Eighth
Five-Year plan, Small hydro was upgraded and additional funds allocated for improvement and
expansion. The total installed capacity of small hydro projects in India is 144.28 mw while
another 241.87 mw is under construction.
In India, the Hilly Hydro Project funded by United Nations Development ProgrammeGlobal
Environment Facility have shown considerable amount of interest in the sector in 13 Himalayan
states. Many demonstration project on the use of small hydro power for lighting, heating,
cooking, irrigation, and small industry have been carried out in the 13 states to check
deforestation trends. Various social and technical aspects namely, geography, people, end-use,
head, flow, and total power generated have been considered. With the lending operations funded
primarily by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility, the Asia Alternative Energy
Program (ASTAE) has assisted with the design of mini-hydro components. 15 small hydro
schemes representing 68 MW of capacity are under operation in India.
Nepal being a country of rural and isolated committees, the suitability of micro-hydro systems is
distinctly visible. The government of Nepal has great plans to increase the mega Hydro Power
generation, and has shown almost the same amount of interest in developing small hydro power,
but the policy toward small hydro is not very clear yet. Basically, there are foreign-aided projects
that support the development of the power sector in Nepal, including the development of miniand small hydro resources. Recently, some initiatives have been taken by facilitating Kathmandu
University with programs for small hydro power research. In India, Alternative Hydro Energy
Centre, set up by ministry of Non-conventional Energy Resources in the year 1982, at the
University of Roorkie, Roorkie, has been working for the cooperation in small hydro power
research and technology transfer, project design, development and consultancy services.
Both in India and Nepal, small hydro power plants has been considered for rural electrification.
This has helped to reduce dependence on fuel wood, generate small enterprises and uplift the
rural economy. Nepal is second only to Brazil in terms of hydro power. Nepal has numerous
rivers, so there is further prospect of small hydro power in Nepal. The availability of water
beyond 4000 meters of height has made permanent settlement possible. At such great heights,
one of the most economical means to make electricity available is through the use of small hydro
plants.

Small hydro has proved to be very advantageous in both India and Nepal. Micro-hydro has been
very helpful in saving trees in the rural parts of both the countries. In addition, small hydro has
been instrumental in enhancing economic development and living standards especially in remote
areas with limited or no electricity both in India and Nepal. Ghandruk Power Plant in small
village Ghandruk in the Annapurna region of Nepal, provides electricity to all houses for lighting
purposes. Lodges (usualy meant for foreign tourists) and households have electricity for cooking.
Since it is cost-effective, time-saving, and labor-saving, lodge-keepers are very positive about it
and are ready to maintain it for ever. They have been able to make good profit out of it. There
has been an increase in the local incomes in the Annapurna region. Employment opportunities to
people were created when village electrification committee was established to oversee the
project. Also when Forest Management Committee regulated some laws regarding the protection
of forests, local people benefitted with better employment opportunities. Economic structure has
changed and is way too different from many of the rural communities of Nepal. Revenue
generated from the households and lodges is used for the village development. It has enhanced
the interest of local manufacturers in manufacturing devices out of locally available materials.
Micro-Hydro systems are preferable from an environmental point of view as seasonal river flow
patterns downstream are not affected and there is no flooding of valleys upstream of the system.
Because of the fact that the motion of the river operates the machine, a complex mechanical
governor system is not required, which reduces costs and maintenance requirements. The
systems can be build locally at low cost, and the simplicity gives rise to better long term
reliability. Dry season, and the lack of storage of excess power generated can be hazardous
though.
The future of small hydro power both in India and Nepal is bright. India can provide consultancy
services in number of areas of small hydro power like planning, investigation and hydro resource
survey, engineering designs for construction works, techno-economic analysis of small hydro
power, to name a few. With more private sector participation, the chances of improvement are
very high. Even without it, it is likely that there will be a shift in the prority to small hydro
projects considering the environmental consequences of large hydro projects, the fragile geology
and active seismicity of the region, and the high costs associated with the large hydro projects.
GISdevelopment.net --> Application --> Utility

Hydro power assessment for small ungauged catchments in Himalayan region

using GIS techniques
Arun Kumar , M. K. Singhal
Alternate Hydro Energy Centre,
University of Roorkee Roorkee

Indian power sector has an installed capacity of 86000 MW. Out of which 25% is hydro power and
remaining are thermal, nuclear and gas-based projects. Power shortages in our country are estimated as
9% of total energy and 18 % of peak capacity requirements. Thermal based power projects have
environmental repercussions related to emission of suspended particles and gases. While, large hydro
power plants could lead to degradation and erosion of soil, loss of forests, wild life habitat and biodiversity and most important is the resettlement of people. To promote the environmentally sound energy
investments as well as to help in mitigating the acute shortfall in power supply, the Government of India is

promoting development of country's renewable energy resources and had made it a priority thrust area
under India's National Environmental action plan. As there is vast potential for development of Small
Hydro Power projects, enormous funds shall be required to tap this potential. Considering the large
requirement of funds, it may not be possible alone by Government to provide adequate finances. To
mobilize additional resources for the small hydro power, private sector participation has to be
encouraged. In many states, private sector has been invited to tap the hydro power resources for captive
use as well for commercial purpose. Private sector participation in renewable energy has also increased
significantly in recent years as Government of India has opened the power sector to private sector
participation. The run-of-river schemes are existing mainly in hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and North Eastern States of our country. A significant number o:f
potential sites have been identified for development by private developers (table 2). The categories of
sites identified in Himachal Pradesh have been shown in table 3. The schemes allotted to private sector,
specially in Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, have limited hydrological data. These projects if
planned and designed scientifically, based on regional hydrology, may be less affected by risk and
provide excellent opportunity for development.
Utility of Regional flow Duration Models
Flow duration curve is a simple graphical depiction of variability of water flow at a location without any
reference to the sequence in which this flow would be available. Flow duration curve for the site for which
adequate flow data is available can be directly developed. Flow for various levels of dependability for
gauged site may be estimated from this curve. It is quite obvious that most of the prospective sites for
hyrdo-power projects are likely to be ungauged. For such potential sites, there are either insignificant data
or no flow data available for such analyses.
To derive: a flow duration curve for a location on a stream for which adequate flow data are not available,
Regional flow duration curve may be used. Regional flow models are developed on the basis of data
available for a few other gauged catchments in the same region or transposed from similar nearby region.
Such models are employed to compute flow duration curves for ungauged catchments in that region.
Availability of such regional flow duration models is of paramount significance in estimating the potential
of hyrdo-power in remote hilly regions of the country.
Regional Flow Duration Model Developed Under UNDP-GEF Study
The regional flow duration models for hilly states have been developed by National Institute of Hydrology,
Roorkee in association with Alternate Hydro Energy Centre (AHEC) under Zonal Plan Activity of UNDPGEF Hilly Hydro Project - Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Resources, Govt. of India. The yearly flow
duration model provides the pattern of flow at an ungauged catchment. For the development of flow
duration model, the physiographic characteristics of catchment like catchment area, perimeter, length of
main channel, elevation of highest and lowest points, geology of area, hydro-geology of area, land use
pattern. climate and other parameters should have been taken into account. However the model
developed under above study is based on catchment area of gauged site only. The main reason was nonavailability of topo-graphical features for significant number of gauged catchments, availability of data for
individual catchment for short length and paucity of time and resources in carrying out detailed study. It
was decided to pool the available data together within a region to form a single data series by making
them non-dimensional for obivating the need of relating the flow data of individual catchment with their
physiographic characteristics. Only mean flow from a catchment, used for making the flow record nondimensional, was related to catchment area.
The flow duration models, under the above study, were developed for nine regions covering all thirteen
states of Himalayan region. These models are expressed mathematically in the form of algebric equations
and graphically in the form of plots. The model data was verified with the actual measured data in case
study. As the confidence limit is not very encouraging, so the flow duration obtained from above regional
flow model may be used only for pre-feasibility studies. The installed capacity may be based on the
actually measured discharge data.
Utility of Remote Sensing Data for Catchment Analysis

Remote Sensing data available in the near infrared region (0.8 um - 1.1 um) provides clearly the contrast
between land and water features and therefore is best suited for mapping perennial streams. IRS-LISS
III-Geocoded False Colour Composites (FCCs) data may be used for identification of catchment
boundary, drainage network, perennial streams, landuse and vegetation cover for these projects. Digital
Elevation model (DEM) of these catchments may be generated by digitizing the elevation contours and
spot heights from topographic maps and using capabilities of ARC/INFO GIS module (ARC-TIN) with user
defined azimuth, elevation and look angle. The catchment boundary, drainage network and location of
major habitation may be overlaid on these DEMs for further analysis.
Objective of Present Study
The objective of study in progress at this centre is to develop the modified regional flow duration model by
collecting the discharge data of more gauged catchments with longer duration and relating more
physiographic characteristics of gauged catchment with the mean flow. The database of Small Hydro
Potential sites will also be updated with the availability of additional information about the catchments
Data to be Used for the Study
To develop the modified regional flow duration model for ungauged catchments and to update the
database of Small Hydro Potential Sites in Himachal Pradesh, following data are being collected by this
centre for the gauged sites

Physiographic characteristics of Catchment Name, Geographic location, Catchment area, Altitude

of gauging station, Mean & maximum altitude of catchment, Influence of ice/snow/glaciers,
Catchment map/drawing., Stream network in catchment area, portion of catchment which is forest
or under glacier, area of catchment covered by snow (mean of maximum snow cover)
Meteorological Data Time-series of river flow data (daily or l0-daily), monthly precipitation,
temperature, solarity, relative humidity and wind speed for all meteorological station with altitude
of station
Areal climatology Digital or paper maps of monthly/seasonal/annual precipitation, evaporation,
temperature, snow cover, relative humidity, solarity, wind direction etc.
Digital Terrain Model data (DTM) Digital Terrain Data for Himachal Pradesh (Longitude 75O-79 O
10' and Latitude 30 O - 34 O) is being procured from SPOT Image Corporation U.S.A. which shall
have 305 m elevation posting in a grid data structure. Digital Terrain Models shall be used for
computation of slope, channel length, area of catchment, head available for power generation
and location of suitable sites for civil structures of small hydro power projects such as Diversion
Weir, Feeder and Head Race Channel, Desilting Tank, Forebay Tank, Power House Building etc.
Repetitive satellite data for these catchments may be effectively used to locate the region of
deforestation and impact of small hydro projects development on forest in the catchments. The
sites in deforestation regions may be considered as potential sites for hydro power station to
control the deforestation to a larger extent.
Transmission Line Network Data It is proposed to integrate the existing 11 kV transmission line
network with small Hydro Potential Sites. This information will have a bearing on priority of sites
selected for development as for those sites which are close to existing transmission line network,
expenditure on laying and maintenance of transmission line from small hydro project upto the
existing network will be reduced considerably
Other Data Geology, Hydro-Geology, Soil Cover and Land Use and other parameters are to be
related with modified flow duration curves

The Gee-Graphic locations of gauged sites have been shown in Fig.l. Some of the sites forming a cluster
have been shown in fig. 2.

Fig.l.

Fig.2.
Conclusion
Development of small hydro projects in remote places of hilly area will enhance the quality of life in these
areas. Development of regional flow duration model and Small Hydro Potential Sites Database will enable
to plan for Hydro-Power Development on a sound scientific basis. This will help in bringing the prosperity
to the area in particular and region in general. Development of Small Hydro Schemes will also help in
reducing the migration from these areas and reduce the dependency on forest and fossil fuel products
which are being used to meet the energy needs. The efficient Small Hydro Potential Sites in GIS
environment will hasten the process of planning and implementation of small hydro projects for which
private sector has shown a considerable interest.
References

"Pre-Investment Study of New and Innovative Small Hydero Options", prepared by Alternate
Hydro Energy Center for Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd., Ministry of Nonconventional energy Sources, Govt. of [ndia-1999
"Development of Regional Flow Duration Models", developed by Alternate Hydro Energy Center
in Collaboration with Department of Earth Sciences, Centre of Remote Sensing, University of
Roorkee, under UNDP-GEF Hilly Hydro Project, Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources,
Govt. of India-1998
Brochure for Entrepreneures, issued by Himurja and HPSEB, Himachal Pradesh-1998
India's Electricity Sector - Widening Scope for Private Participation, 4th Edition, issued byMinistry of Power Govt. of India - Sept. 1998
"GIS" in Small Hydro Planning Resource Management", By Arun K. Saraf, Department of Earth
Sciences and Arun Kumar, Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, University of Roorkee, journal on GIS

Development, Sept.-Oct., 1997

Table-1: Small Hydro Schemes for Private Sector Investment

State

Total Identified

Alloted

Under Allotment

Projects Capacity (MW) Projects Capacity (MW) Projects Cpacity (MW)

Andhra Pradesh

17

91.5

17

91.15

Tamil Nadu

70

156.95

10.90

Karnataka

166

444.40

39

272.90

Orissa

14

195.70

Kerala

65

203.08

76.50

48

105
50

Uttar Pradesh

11

104.28

25.78

78.5
0

Madhya Pradesh

93

158.80

13

22.95

80

135
85

Punjab

22

19.40

22

19.40

Himachal Pradesh 137

200.00

54

69.89

83

130.11

Total

1,573.70

137

570.07

241

468.86

595

Table 2: Category of Potential Sites in Himachal Pradesh

Capacity

No. of Sites Identified Head Range (m)

<30 31-50 51-100 101-300 >300
No. of Sites

0-50
51-100

101-500

43

43

501-1000

41

41

1001-3000

77

52

Above 3000 150

Total

316

141 2

14

23

111

16

32

125

16

Table3: Attributes of Potential SHP Sites in Himachal Pradesh

S. Catchme District Long Lati. Toposhe Basin Catchme Highe Lowe Catc Hea
No nt
.
et no.
nt Area st Pt. st Pt. h
dm
.
(sqkm) (m)
(m)
Fed
by
1 Bakanwal Chamb 76.4 32.9 52 D/5 Chena 14.80
5297 2163 S, G, 400
a
3
7
b
R

Q90% Pw Priorit
(cume Q90 y
c)
%
(kW)
0.3
950 4

Balij

Balij ka
Nala
Balsio

4
5
6

Banjhalw
al
Bend

Bhuar

Bhula

Bhula-ii

10 Bhujia
11 Braguna
12 Chakka
13 Chalatu
14 Chandal
15 Chanju
16 Chasag
17 Chatri
18 Chatri
19 Chenab
20 Chirchind
21 Chobia
22 Chulan
23 Churput
24 Dare DH
25 Dare DI
26 Darjeyan
g
27 Dehar

Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb
a
Chamb

76.3
8
76.3
2
76.1
5
76.4
2
76.1
7
76.2
3
76.7
0
76.7
0
76.7
2
76.2
8
76.0
0
76.7
2
76.0
0
76.2
5
76.5
5
76.1
2
76.1
2
76.5
7
76.4
2
76.6
0
76.6
7
76.7
8
76.6
0
75.9
8
76.8
8
76.0

32.5
3
32.4
7
32.8
8
32.9
7
32.5
0
32.4
7
32.4
7
32.4
5
32.4
3
32.4
7
32.3
8
32.4
7
32.7
5
32.7
3
32.9
8
32.7
5
32.7
5
32.9
8
32.4
5
32.4
5
32.2
7
32.8
5
32.7
7
32.6
0
32.9
0
32.2

52 D/6

Ravi

53.10

4597

1400 RF

120 1.0

864

562 D/7 Ravi

44.30

3446

1200 R

160 0.8

984

52 D/1,5 Ravi

212.50

6321

1920 1

715

584

5252

52 D2

Chena 39.50
b
Ravi 13.80

2890

1360 S, G, 80 3.2
R
2200 S, G, 320 0.7
R
1240 R
320 0.3

52 D/3

Ravi

24.30

4029

1200 R

52 D/11,
15
52 D/11,
15
52 D/11,
15
52 D/2,
6, 7
43 P/13,
52 D/3
52 D/11,
15
43 P/13,
52 D/1
52 D/2, 6

Ravi

75.50

5656

1173 1

Budhil 73.80
N.
Budhil 72.50
Nadi
Ravi 47.00

5656

2500 S, G, 120 1.3

R
2500 RF 200 1.3

5656

2500 RF

240 1.3

2264

3893

200

120 0.9

777

Beas

70.00

2858

820

80

732

Ravi

62.80

5702

1333 1

Ravi

15.00

3542

2600 S, G, 160 1.1

R
1700 R
160 0.3

Ravi

211.00

5685

1400 R

1908 1

52 D/9

6443
3827

2616 S, G, 40 3.1
R
823 R
120 0.9

934

52 D/2

Chena 206.00
b
Ravi 50.80

52 D/2

Ravi

49.00

3327

823

806

52 D/9

Chena 55.50
b
Ravi 78.00

6443

2400 S, G, 160 1.0

R
1360 R
50 1.3

1197 1

Ravi

109.30

5857

1617 1

Ravi

65.50

4581

2000 S, G, 120 1.8

R
2024 RF 200 1.2

Chena 21.20
b
Chena 20.50
b
43 P/14, Ravi 30.50
52 D/2
52 D/13 Chena 22.00
b
52 D/3, 4 Ravi 26.30

5575

3000 S, G, 400 0.4

R
2560 S, G, 600 0.4
R
600 R
160 0.6

1303

3680 S, G, 280 0.4

R
480 R
20 0.5

938

78

52 D/5

52 D/7
52 D/10,
11
52 D/11,
12
52 D/9,
13
52 D/9

4692

4096
2482
5808
1242

160 0.5

80

1.2

3.2

120 0.9

1782 1

1916

384

831
1

503

1728

1891 1
712

a
28 Dhadiund Chamb
a
29 Dharaul Chamb
a
30 Dheda
Chamb
a

5
76.1
5
76.6
5
76.3
7

3
32.9
0
32.4
7
33.0
8

52 C4,
D1
52 D/10,
11
52 C/8,
12

Baira 132.00
N.
Budhil 24.10

5014

1350 RF

240 2.1

3809

5723

2280 RF

840 0.5

3046

Chena 120.00
b

5321

2000 S, G, 200 1.9

R

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