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nearly 50GW of hydropower over the outlook period. The G20 countries are expected to account for 79% of the global hydropower capacity by 2030, with Asian countries offering significant potential for hydropower growth. The report said it is crucial to adhere to the Hydropower Sustainability Standard, a global certification scheme that sets sustainability expectations for hydropower projects worldwide. While hydropower plays a significant role in meeting renewable energy targets, the report says it should be noted that other renewables would need to be deployed at much higher levels if hydropower alone cannot fulfill energy requirements. Extensive long- and short-term storage solutions would also be necessary to ensure consistent electricity supply throughout the year.
Global
Bluemethane, IHA and UQAM to establish global hydropower methane monitoring network Bluemethane has signed a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Lab Yves Prairie-UQAM to establish a comprehensive global network focused on monitoring and studying methane emissions in hydropower reservoirs. Under this collaborative initiative, Bluemethane, UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal), and IHA will join forces to conduct precise measurements of methane concentrations in 20 selected reservoirs across the globe. Notably, this project will be the first of its kind to incorporate satellite measurements, thereby enabling top-down assessments of methane levels at the same sites. The multifaceted project aims to achieve several crucial objectives. Firstly, it seeks to enhance our understanding of methane release from reservoirs, shedding light on a significant environmental concern. Additionally, the partnership aims to identify potential locations suitable for implementing Bluemethane’s cutting-edge methane removal technology. This innovative approach allows for the capture and utilization of accumulated methane for energy production, thereby mitigating its adverse effects on the environment. Furthermore, the data collected through this network will be integrated into global methane budgets, offering valuable insights and contributing to more accurate calculations for the first time.
India
NHPC signs MoU with Maharashtra Government for pumped storage schemes Indian hydropower company NHPC Limited has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Energy, Government of Maharashtra, to collaborate on the development of pumped storage schemes and other renewable energy projects in the state.
6 | August 2023 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com Under the MoU, NHPC and the Department of
Energy will work together on the development of four pumped storage projects, with a combined capacity of 7350MW. The projects – Kalu (1150MW), Savitri (2250MW), Jalond (2400MW), and Kengadi (1550MW), aim to harness the potential of renewable energy sources in Maharashtra. Additionally, the collaboration will extend to other renewable energy source projects in the state. Speaking about the partnership, Sh. R.K. Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC, expressed gratitude to the Government of Maharashtra for entrusting NHPC with the responsibility of developing pumped storage projects in the state. He emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant milestone for NHPC’s operations in Maharashtra. The projects are expected to attract an investment of approximately Rs. 44,000 Crores and create around ,000 direct and indirect job opportunities in the state. The primary objective of the MoU is to
leverage pumped storage projects as energy storage solutions, in line with India’s national goal of achieving 500GW of renewable energy by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2070. By combining the capabilities of NHPC and the expertise of the Maharashtra government, the partnership aims to contribute to the country’s energy transition efforts and promote a greener and more sustainable future.
India
Major milestone achieve as Subansiri Lower project dam reaches top level In a significant breakthrough for the 2000MW Subansiri Lower HE Project in India, the dam’s top level, reaching an elevation of 210m, has been successfully completed across all blocks. This accomplishment marks a major stride towards the project’s completion. NHPC Limited, the project’s developer,
initiated construction work in January 2005 following forest clearance received on October 12, 2004. However, due to local stakeholder agitation and protests, the construction was halted from December 2011 until October 2019. The resolution of legal issues by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) paved the way for project construction to resume on October 15, 2019. Currently, the construction of critical components such as the dam, powerhouse, and hydromechanical works is progressing rapidly, bringing the project closer to fruition. The achievement of reaching the dam’s
top level stands as a significant milestone for the Subansiri Lower Project. With over 90% of the total project work already completed, this milestone underscores the project’s substantial progress. Following the monsoon season, the remaining work on radial gates will be finalized, enabling electricity generation to commence by the end of the 2023-24 financial year. Upon completion, the Subansiri Lower Project is anticipated to generate approximately 7500
million units of electricity annually, accounting for a 90% dependable year.
Nepal Tractebel signs contract for two strategic hydropower projects in Mugu District Tractebel has recently inked a contract for the development of two hydropower projects in the Mugu district of Nepal’s Karnali Province. These projects, the Upper Mugu Karnali and Namlan Khola, will have a combined capacity of 441MW, bringing Nepal closer to achieving its ambitious goal of 100% electrification nationwide. Nepal has faced numerous challenges in electrifying remote areas and rugged mountainous terrain. However, the construction of the Upper Mugu Karnali and Namlan Khola hydropower projects will play a pivotal role in overcoming these obstacles and moving the country towards its electrification target, Tractebel said. The company’s team of experts will be responsible for updating feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and environmental impact studies for both project sites. The contract, which was signed in April 2023, was mandated by clients Elevate Energy and Apollo Energy, both subsidiaries of the Golyan Group. Tractebel will contribute to the preliminary phases of the projects, including feasibility studies, engineering design, tender document preparation, and environmental impact assessments. The engagement commenced in May 2023 and is expected to continue until December 2024. Notably, these projects mark the first time the
International Development Finance Cooperation (DFC) has provided funding for hydropower initiatives in Nepal. Furthermore, they represent some of the largest private sector-led hydropower developments in the country. The Upper Mugu Karnali project will include a 27m high barrier with four floodgates, each measuring 10m in width and height. Additionally, two approach tunnels, approximately 1km in length, will be constructed. Other key components consist of a 4-chamber underground desander, a 16km- long headrace tunnel, a 67m-high underground surge shaft, a penstock pipe spanning nearly 3km, a surface powerhouse equipped with four 60MW turbines, a switchyard for connecting the power to the national grid, a double- circuit 400kV transmission line, and essential infrastructure such as access roads. Similarly, the Namlan Khola project will contribute
to Nepal’s growing energy capacity. It will feature a 27m high weir/spillway with two floodgates measuring 15.6m in width and 12m in height. The project will also comprise three approach tunnels, approximately 140m in length, a 3-chamber underground desander, a nearly 5km-long headrace tunnel, an 80m-high underground surge shaft, a penstock pipe spanning approximately 435m, an underground powerhouse housing three 45MW Francis turbines, an underground
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