| Hydro-Power
is a renewable, economical, non-polluting and environmentally
benign source of energy. Hydro-Power stations have the
inherent ability for instantaneous starting, stopping,
load variations, etc. and help in improving the reliability
of power systems. There is no fuel cost during the life
of the project as hydropower generation is a non-consumptive
use of water. The benefits of hydropower as a clean,
environment friendly and economically attractive source
of energy have been sufficiently recognized. The need
for it’s accelerated development also arises from
its capacity of enhanced system reliability and economics
of utilization of resources. Environmental impacts of
Hydro-Power plants are very different from those of
fossil fuel power plants. Some of the advantages of
Hydro-electric power plants are enumerated below: |
 |
A
renewable source of energy - saves scarce fuel reserves.
|
|
Non-polluting
and hence environment friendly. |
|
Long
life - The first hydro project completed in 1897 is still
in operation at Darjeeling is still in operation. |
|
Cost
of generation, operation and maintenance is lower than
the other sources of energy. |
|
Ability
to start and stop quickly and instantaneous load acceptance/rejection
makes it suitable to meet peak demand and for enhancing
system reliability and stability. |
|
Cost
of generation is free from inflationary effects after
the initial installation. |
|
Storage
based hydro schemes often provide attendant benefits of
irrigation, flood control, drinking water supply, navigation,
recreation, tourism, pisciculture etc. |
|
Being located in remote regions leads to development of
interior backward areas. (education, medical, road communication,
telecommunication etc.) |
