Small Micro Hydro Projects
Punjab has a long history of utilizing energy from water resources. Water has traditionally been used to operate mills, and since the beginning of the 20th century, hydropower has also been utilized for electricity generation. Hydropower represents a well-established technology that can significantly contribute to the growing global demand for electricity from renewable energy sources while generating power without atmospheric emissions. In Punjab, small-scale hydropower projects provide economically viable power generation options at numerous locations for a wide range of applications.
In recent years, micro, mini, and small hydroelectric power schemes have received considerable attention from various perspectives. Firstly, they constitute a substantial and readily utilizable source of renewable energy, and secondly, they offer a moderate investment opportunity for providing electricity to underdeveloped and remote areas. Electricity is one of the most convenient forms of energy and is extensively used for lighting, heating, and industrial production. Generation of electricity through micro, mini, and small hydroelectric schemes does not pollute the environment and therefore, can play an important role in environmental protection and the maintenance of ecological balance.
The incentives provided for the development of micro, mini, and small hydropower projects have generated interest among public utilities as well as private developers. Particularly for private developers, micro and mini hydroelectric projects require in-depth technological and financial guidance. Since these schemes are highly site-specific, they exhibit a wide variation in cost and financial returns. Small, mini, and micro hydroelectric schemes are recognized renewable energy sources that can provide electricity, especially to rural and remote areas and hilly terrains in the country, in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.
Canal Network In Punjab
Broadly speaking the canal network on which low head mini hydel projects are installed / being installed is as under:
I. Sirhind Canal System:
- Sirhind Canal
- Combined Branch
- Abohar Branch Canal
- Bathinda Branch Canal
- Sidhwan Branch Canal
- Patiala Feeder – I
- Kotla Branch Canal
- Patiala Feeder-II
- Ghaggar Branch Canal
II. Bhakra Main Line (BML)
- Bhakra Main Canal
- Narwana Branch
III. Bist Doab Canal off taking from Ropar Head works Upper Bari Doab Canal (UBDC) Canal System
- Madhopur Beas Link
- UBDC Main Canal
- Kasur Branch Upper
- Kasur Branch Lower
- Sabroan Branch
- Main Branch Upper
- Main Branch Lower
- Lahore Branch
IV. Ferozepur Feeder
- Eastern Canal
- Bikanare Canal
DETAIL OF COMMISSIONED/ONGOING SMALL / MINI HYDEL PROJECTS IN THE STATE OF PUNJAB
| S. No. | Detail of SHP / MHP Projects | Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
➢ Small / Mini Hydel Projects (Commissioned)* (55 nos. Projects comprising of 65 nos. sites) ➢ PSPCL - 114.15 MW (11 nos. Projects) (Annexure-I) ➢ PEDA/PGL – 9.8 MW (8 nos. Projects) (Annexure-II) ➢ Private Developers - 47.35 MW (36 nos. Projects comprising of 50 nos. sites facilitated by PEDA) (Annexure-III) |
171.30 |
| 2 |
➢ Projects under Execution by Private Developers on BOO basis, being facilitated by PEDA (3 nos. Projects) (Annexure-IV) |
2.90 |
| TOTAL | 174.20 MW | |
Annexure-I
| S. No. | Name of Mini / Small Hydro Power Projects | Name of Canal | Installed Capacity (MW) | Year of commissioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PH-I (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.00 | 30.8.1971 |
| 2 | PH-II (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.00 | 25.5.1972 |
| 3 | PH-III (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.00 | 12.8.1973 |
| 4 | PH-I (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.45 | 6.8.1989 |
| 5 | PH-II (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.45 | 26.6.1991 |
| 6 | PH-III (Pathankot) | Upper Bari Doab Canal | 15.45 | 1.1.1992 |
Annexure-II
| S.No. | Name of Project | Capacity (MW) | RD (in feet) | Location | Date of Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chupki (Ludhiana) | 1.50 | 47000 | Abohar Branch Canal | 12.11.1999 |
| 2 | Narangwal (Ludhiana) | 1.50 | 69500 | Abohar Branch Canal | 7.6.1999 |
| 3 | Tugal (Ludhiana) | 1.50 | 128000 | Abohar Branch Canal | 8.9.1999 |
Annexure-III
| S.No. | Developer and Hydro Project | Name of Canal | Installed Capacity (MW) | Date of Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dolowal (Distt:Sangrur) | Kotla Branch Canal | 1.40 | 26.4.2003 |
| 2 | Salar (Distt: Sangrur) | Kotla Branch Canal | 1.50 | 26.4.2003 |
| 3 | Bhanubhura (Distt: Sangrur) | Kotla Branch Canal | 1.30 | 26.4.2003 |
Annexure-IV
| S. No. | Name of the Developer and Project | RD (in feet) | Capacity (MW) | Expected Date of commissioning | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gujjran (Sangrur) | 118000 | 0.60 | April-2028 | DPR has been submitted by the developer and same has been forwarded to WRD for vetting of the Hydraulic Parameters. |
| 2 | Dhariwal (Gurdaspur) | 42825 | 2.00 | December-2026 | DPR approved by PEDA on 13.9.2021. Implementation Agreement signed on 13.10.2021. |
| 3 | Ralla (Mansa) | 269000 | 0.30 | --- | 90% work of the project is already completed and mechanical spinning was also done. |
