:: Small Hydro Energy Overview

Seasonal and perennial water flows are good sources of energy. Micro-hydro power technologies have reached at level of maturity. Even portable hydro power systems are now available. The success stories have shown that such small hydro power projects can be easily operated and maintained by local communities .In view of the advantages seen in developing small hydro power for decentralized and distributed energy generation the GoM vide GR dated 08.12.2005 has mandated MEDA to develop small hydro power projects up to 5 MW on Run of the River, KT weir and Waterfalls. In light of this policy, MEDA has identified more than 50 hydro power sites in the state through financial assistance of MNRE, GoI. The sites are to be developed through private developer .The allotment procedure of these sites is under finalization.

As per MNRE source the identified potential of small hydro power in India is 10,071 MW and in Maharashtra is 732.63 MW. The installed capacity in Maharashtra by the year 2010-11 is 263.825 MW. Till date all projects are developed by Water Resource Department, GOM through private developers.

For encouraging the private sector in developing Small Hydro Power Projects in the state an attractive policy has been declared by GoM vide G.R. dated 14-10-2008. The policy supports small hydro power by giving financial assistance & other invectives. The highlights of the state policy could be seen on www.mahaurja.com. Besides, the financial assistance for small hydro the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission has also declared capacity wise attractive tariff for Hydro Power Projects in the year 2011-12. The highlights of same are as follows:

S.N.
Particulars
Capacity
Net Levellised Tariff
(Rs / kWh)
01
 Mini and Micro Hydro Projects. 500 kW & below
4.92
 
above 500 kW and upto and including 1 MW
4.42
02
 Other Small Hydro Projects.
above 1 MW & upto and including 5MW
3.92
 
above 5MW & upto and including 25MW
3.34

The details of prevailing tariff structure (order declared on 29th April, 2011) for Small Hydro Power Projects could be seen at: www.mercindia.org.in. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) GoI has been supporting small hydro projects by providing subsidy. The 50 % subsidy is released after placing Purchase Orders for E&M equipment and providing irrevocable bank guarantee of equal amount to MNRE. The balance subsidy could be availed after commissioning of the project and assessment of performance of the plant. The performance of the plant is assessed through AHEC (Alternate Hydro Energy Centre) Roorkee. The details of the Central policy could be seen on www.mnre.gov.in

:: Small Hydro Power Programme

A) STATE GOVT. POLICIES

Govt. Resolution


Government of Maharashtra vide its order dated.08.12.2005 has given mandate to MEDA for developing Small hydro power projects up to 5 MW capacity on Run of River (ROR), Waterfalls and Kolhapur Type (KT) weir, in Maharashtra.

State Regulatory Commission order

The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) has declared an attractive tariff for Small hydro power projects on 9.11.2005. As per this order the 1st year tariff is Rs.2.84/unit, which will increase by Rs.0.03/unit every year up to next 10th year. The other highlights of the MERC order for SHP is as below

S.N.
Particulars Details
01
Wheeling Charges 2 %
02
Transmission losses 5 %
03
Supervision Charges 15 %

B) PROGRAMME IMPLEMEATION POLICY

GoM vide its GR dated.8.12.2005 have permitted MEDA to develop Small hydro power projects up to 5 MW based on Run of River (ROR), Waterfalls and Kolhapur Type (KT) weirs.

C) PRESENT PROGRESS.

1. MEDA has primarily identified potential hydro power sites for electrification of remote villages in tribal areas of Maharashtra & prepared Master plan.
2. MEDA has primarily identified 5 potential hydro power sites of 1 to 5 MW (Grid connect) in tribal area and prepared pre-feasibility reports for development of it through private promoter.
3. MEDA has prepared DPR for setting up Small hydro power project on KT weir at Chincholi (Tal. Walawa) & Mangale-Sawarde (Tal.Shirala) in Dist.Sangli.
4. MEDA has also carried out detailed survey and investigation for setting up SHP project at Thugaon (Dist. Pune), Thoseghar (Dist. Satara) and Gangapur (Dist. Nashik).
5. MEDA has completed the work of collecting river gauging data at 10 locations for setting up Small hydro project from 1 to 5 MW (Grid connected) in tribal area.
6. MEDA has identified more than 60 potential hydro power sites in non tribal area.

D) PROJECTS TAKEN UP

Under Special action plan of Tribal development department for Dhadgaon & Akkalkuwa Tahsils in Nandurbar district, MEDA is executing micro hydro power project of 30 KW (2X 15 Kw) capacity at Village Asli in Dist. Nandurbar. Power generated from this project will be utilized for electrification of about 500-550 households in nearby padas.

LIST OF FEASIBILITY REPORTS PREPARED FOR PRIMARILY IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL SHP SITES (GRID CONNECTED) IN TRIBAL AREA OF MAHARASHTRA

LIST OF PRIMARILY IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL SHP SITES (GRID CONNECTED) IN TRIBAL AREA OF MAHARASHTRA

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