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engineers’ extensive experience in hydro projects across the Americas, this initiative holds immense promise for Ecuador’s energy security, supporting its economic and social development goals.” “The proposed energy solution presents an
exceptional opportunity for all collaborating entities and carries profound significance for Ecuador’s energy landscape,” said Constructora Nacional Executive President José Rafael Armijos. “The integration of clean hydro and solar energy holds the promise of substantial benefits for local communities and the environment.” The project will adhere to stringent regulatory
standards and environmental safeguards throughout every development phase, the companies said. Stakeholder engagement will be prioritized, involving local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations in the project’s planning and implementation to build trust and create shared value for all involved parties.
UK Government’s budget disappoints hydropower advocates The UK Government’s recent budget announcement has disappointed proponents of hydropower in the UK, with the British Hydropower Association (BHA) stating that the Chancellor has missed a golden opportunity to support the UK’s strategic economic, employment and Net Zero ambitions by failing to fully back hydropower. In a statement, the BHA expressed its
extreme disappointment at the lack of foresight and financial backing for hydropower in the Chancellor’s spring budget. A report by BiGGAR Economics, commissioned by the association, reveals staggering figures. In 2022 alone, hydropower production in the UK contributed to a £1.1 billion reduction in wholesale energy costs, translating to approximately £38.50 per household. With around 2GW of traditional hydropower already operational and the potential for an additional 1GW through new projects, the untapped potential of hydropower remains significant. CEO of the British Hydropower Association,
Kate Gilmartin, expressed bewilderment at the government’s oversight: “It’s disappointing, frustrating and mystifying that the Chancellor has failed to ride a hydro wave which would help slash sky high consumer bills, create jobs, and help cut the UK’s carbon emissions. “This was a golden opportunity to bring
hydropower fully into the UK’s future, reliable, renewable energy mix and the government has failed to grasp it. As our new report from BiGGAR Economics shows, hydropower can help support the UK’s strategic ambitions, contribute to Net Zero, reduce reliance on energy imports and produce the most energy when demand is high, in winter.
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“There’s still nothing in current government policy which brings forward renewable generation at anything less than five megawatts. Ministers are tunnel-focused on large scale generation connected at the transmission grid which doesn’t resolve local grid issues or enable local energy solutions that can really help reduce bills for consumers.” The BiGGAR Economics report titled “The Socio-economic Impact of Hydropower in the UK” suggests that investing £5.5 billion over 15 years in expanding hydropower infrastructure could yield substantial economic benefits. This investment would not only create over 4000 jobs but also support billions in Gross Value Added (GVA) across various regions in the UK. The British Hydropower Association has been
proactive in advocating for hydropower as a critical component of the UK’s energy strategy. In their recently published manifesto ahead of the general election, they call for policy changes that facilitate hydropower deployment, including adjustments to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and consideration of wider system benefits in energy cost evaluations.
India
Fundation stone laid for 2880MW Dibang multipurpose hydroelectric project Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony for the NHPC’s 2880MW Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The event, held on March 9th, 2024, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, was attended by dignitaries including Lt. Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, the Honorable Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Honorable Chief Minister, and Shri Chowna Mein, the Honorable Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. Located near the village of Munli in the Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh, the Dibang Multipurpose project will feature a 278m-high dam, which upon completion will stand as India’s tallest Concrete Gravity Dam. Utilizing advanced construction techniques such as Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC), the dam is also set to become the world’s highest RCC dam. The primary objective of the Dibang Dam is to harness clean and green energy, contributing significantly to the Northern Grid. Once operational, the project is estimated to generate 11223 Million Units (MU) of hydropower annually. With a construction timeline spanning 108 months, the project is slated for commissioning in February 2032. Employment opportunities are also expected
to burgeon with the project, providing direct employment to 500 individuals during the construction phase and 300 during operation. Additionally, indirect employment
opportunities are forecasted to benefit around 5000 people during construction and 500 during operation. In a bid to foster local development, the
project pledges 12% Free Power and an additional 1% for the Local Area Development Fund, aiming to bolster the state’s progress while aligning with national objectives towards achieving Net Zero targets. The Dibang Multipurpose Project is not solely focused on power generation; it also prioritizes flood moderation as a crucial aspect of its design. With a reservoir capacity of 1282.60 million m3
, strategic measures will be
implemented to mitigate flood risks, ensuring the project’s multifaceted impact on the region.
Brazil
Itaipu hydroelectric plant achieves historic 3 billion MWh milestone
In the early hours of Sunday, March 10, the Itaipu hydroelectric plant reached an unprecedented milestone, generating a cumulative total of 3 billion megawatt-hours (MWh) since its inception in May 1984. The achievement was officially confirmed on Monday morning, March 11th, at approximately 7am, when the volume of energy produced by the plant surged past 3,000,228,145 MWh. The Brazilian General Director of Itaipu, Enio Verri, expressed jubilation, emphasizing the collective effort behind the accomplishment. Verri commended every individual associated with Itaipu, including employees, contractors, and collaborators, for their invaluable contributions over the years. Renato Sacramento, the Executive Technical
Director, underscored the significance of this milestone, asserting that Itaipu’s achievement solidifies its position as a world leader in energy production. Sacramento attributed this success to the unwavering dedication and expertise of both Brazilian and Paraguayan personnel, emphasizing their pivotal role in driving the binational entity forward. The magnitude of Itaipu’s accomplishment becomes apparent when compared to various benchmarks. The 3 billion MWh generated since its inception could power Brazil for nearly six years, Paraguay for over two centuries, the state of São Paulo for more than two decades, or sustain over 660 cities the size of Curitiba for a year. Furthermore, it could provide energy for over 5000 cities equivalent in size to Foz do Iguaçu for the same duration. Itaipu’s energy production has
evolved significantly since its operational commencement on May 5, 1984. It took 17 years to reach the first billion MWh milestone in June 2001, amid Brazil’s energy rationing crisis. Subsequently, Itaipu achieved the second billion MWh milestone after 11 years and 2 months, and now, after an additional 11 years and 7 months, it has surpassed the 3 billion MWh mark.
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