EMPHASIS ON HYDEL GENERATION

摘要

We are already in the twenty-first century where economic development and other advancements are driving energy consumption levels to record levels. Electricity consumption is increasing at rates faster than overall energy supply. In order to augment the power availability there is continued pressure on more and more harnessing of conventional resources. This has resulted in skewing the hydro: thermal mix to 24.74:75.26 instead of the desired ratio of 40:60. This undesirable level of hydro: thermal mix is primarily responsible for major ills of the power system including grid instability. Moreover there are other important issues like environmental pollution etc. which were being sidelined previously are getting the requisite attention. These factors have resulted in framing a consensus opinion in not pursuing the aggressive policy of development of thermal power rather encouraging development of hydropower at a faster pace which could set aside many of the power system anomalies. Emphasis on development of hydropower becomes even more important due to many advantages this form of energy offers. The paper elucidates the changing power scenario in the country requiring emphasis on accelerated development of hydropower of which large potential still remains to be harnessed.