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Friday, Jun 26, 2009
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Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Jun 26, 2009 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio | Blogs |
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Power Industry & Economy - Water Web Extras - Climate & Weather Hydel generation could trip as reservoir levels drop
Water levels in key reservoirs are currently about 30 per cent lower than the average levels at this time of the year Of the 32 major hydro reservoirs monitored daily by the CEA, except 5, all others are rain-fed Anil Sasi New Delhi, June 25 A majority of the country’s key hydro reservoirs are precariously close to their minimum draw down levels. With forecasts of deficient rainfall, the hydro generation from major storage projects could take a hit in the coming weeks, adding to the overall peaking power shortages. Of the 32 major hydro reservoirs monitored daily by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), excepting five in the northern region that depend on Himalayan snow melt, all the others are rain-fed. Water levels in key reservoirs — including the Bhakra and Pong reservoirs in Punjab, Tehri in Uttarakhand, Indira Sagar in Madhya Pradesh, Bhira and Koyna in Maharashtra, Nagarjuna Sagar in Andhra Pradesh, Almatti in Karnataka, Mettur in Tamil Nadu and Hirakud, Indravati and Upper Kolab in Orissa — are currently about 30 per cent lower than the average levels recorded at this time of the year. The position in most reservoirs is way below last year’s levels and close to their minimum draw down levels. The installed hydro power capacity of around 36,900 MW accounts for close to a quarter of the total electricity produced in the country, especially peaking power. According to Power Ministry officials, while reservoir levels tend to be low at the onset of the monsoon, there has been extra pressure on water levels this summer due to the absence of pre-monsoon showers. “Delayed rains put greater strain on the non-hydel power plants. The only available option is to reschedule the planned shutdowns of thermal stations for maintenance,” a CEA official said. Hydro generation from eastern and western region reservoirs, which are most dependent on rain, could be more severely affected if the rains continue to play spoilsport. “Himalayan snow melt is still continuing and hence northern region projects might be insulated for the time being. The Southern region can fall back on the bevy of coal and gas-based projects in the region and might be able to tide over some of the hydel shortage,” an official at the Power Ministry said.
According to official sources, the Bhakra Nangal dam in Punjab, which is one of the most important dams in north India, has just about 15 days of water left in its reservoir. The Orissa Hydro Power Corporation has already issued a warning note earlier this week to the State Government that water available in major reservoirs like Balimela, Upper Kolab and Rengali will last just a week’s generation. Scanty rainfall causes worry among farmers ‘Below normal’ monsoon may delay kharif sowing Truant monsoon adds to tea production woes Met Dept update may indicate ‘below normal’ monsoon More Stories on : Power | Water | Climate & Weather
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