Share of hydropower in energy mix likely to decline sharply: report

ISLAMABAD: According to a plan submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra), the share of cheaper hydropower in the national power mix is likely to decline to about 20 per cent from 30pc at present by the fiscal year 2040 due to the negligible role played by private sector as the government attempts to renegotiate terms of contracts with thermal power producers.[Readmore]

Hydropower over the next decade

Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, IWP&DC asked members of the industry for their thoughts on what the next decade may entail for hydropower development across the globe.

Eddie Rich, Chief Executive of the International Hydropower Association

It is clear that in this decade renewable energy will take centre stage. There are commitments from many countries to decarbonise and no country has been able to do so without a large element of hydropower.

The International Renewable Energy Agency’s figures suggest that we are going to need another 1000GW of hydropower in the next 30 years. This is equivalent to the same amount in the next 30 years which has been produced in the last 70 years – a massive increase. For this step change to occur, three actions are necessary.[Readmore]

World Bank to provide $700m more for Pakistan hydropower project

The World Bank has agreed to provide additional financing for the Dasu Hydropower Stage I project in Pakistan.

The $700m loan will fund the transmission line for the first phase of the Dasu hydropower plant. Situated along the main Indus River, the plant will have an installed capacity of 2,160MW.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) will finance the project.[Readmore]

2.7 lakh trees to be felled for hydropower project in Arunachal’s Dibang Valley

The company plans to develop a combination of two run-of-the-river projects involving the construction of concrete gravity dams on the Tangon and Dri tributaries of the Dibang.(HT Photo)

The Union environment ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) will on Thursday take a call on granting clearance to a hydroelectric project in one of the most biodiverse Himalayan zones in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley. The project will involve diversion of 1150.08 ha of forest land and felling of 2.7 lakh trees in what FAC’s documents call “subtropical evergreen broad-leaved and subtropical rainforest”.

“We have not heard from any locals about their concerns about the project. The FAC will hear it tomorrow [Thursday],” said Anjan Mohanty, the inspector general of forests.[Readmore]

Spotlight on the Fastest Growing Renewables: Hydropower

The most recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows that the renewable revolution is continuing apace. Last year, 171GW of renewable generating capacity was added to the grid, meaning that the overall capacity from sustainable sources has reached 2,351GW. That’s roughly equivalent to a third of all electricity generating capacity in the world.

Hydropower continues to be the biggest contributor to renewable capacity. Despite significantly slowed growth in recent years, hydro still accounts for approximately half of all renewable capacity, making it crucial in achieving reduced greenhouse gas emissions targets in the coming years. Having said that, both solar and wind power have shown impressive growth over the last decade and are expected to continue at a similar rate of expansion in the coming one. Nonetheless, the International Energy Agency (IEA) still expects hydro to be the biggest supplier of renewable energy by 2024, the end of its next forecast cycle.[Readmore]

We have 56% more water in reservoirs than we had last year: Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

We are determined that our promise of piped drinking water to every home be fulfilled in the time-frame, says Jal Shakti Minister

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat speaks to Nistula Hebbar on how India is placed in terms of water availability as COVID-19 underlines the necessity of piped drinking water supply and the situation in his home State Rajasthan which remains worrisome....

Under a lockdown with summer approaching and with the injunction of constant hand washing as a preventative for the spread of COVID-19, how is India placed in terms of just water availability.[Readmore]

Pending water projects to restart in UP, says Jal Shakti minister

LUCKNOW: Before UP steps into the thick of summer, the government is rushing to complete several drinking water and groundwater recharge projects that were left incomplete when the lockdown was implemented.

On Wednesday, Jal Shakti minister Mahendra Singh held a meeting with his department and drafted a micro-level plan to restart all the projects where no work has taken place for two months. “Many of these projects, especially the rural and urban drinking water projects, need to be completed before it becomes really hot.[Readmore]