Hydro Energy

Hydro energy is obtained from flowing water falling on rotating turbines, thereby converting it into electricity. India is fortunate to have an enormous potential in hydro energy and ranks 5th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on the global map. The present installed capacity as on February, 2016 is 42,663 MW which is 15.22% of total electricity generation in India.

So what’s special about hydro energy? Firstly, it’s reliable! Wind may or may not flow or you may not get enough sunlight, but dams have been made to store water which ultimately flows to the turbine. It provides a consistent and steady supply of water. Also, operational costs of generating hydro energy is low as water flows on its own, without any external force needed. Hydro power plants have a comparatively longer life than nuclear power plants. The load factor for solar and wind power is around 15-40% which is low compared to fossil fuel power. In comparison to this, hydro power has a load factor of almost 40-60%.

Hydropower produces around 16 % of the world’s electricity and over 80% of the world’s renewable electricity.Its is one of the major source of green energy.

Some of the countries that we can take inspiration from!

• Norway produces more than 99% of its electricity with hydropower.

• New Zealand uses hydropower for 75% of its electricity.