The state grid network will add about 1,500 Mw from hydro power generating plants by 2020, said the water resources department.
"We have 10 projects under pipeline with a combined capacity close to 1,500 Mw and the DPRs (detailed project report) will be completed by December 2012. We hope the energy department would award the contracts within one year (after the DPR submission)”, said Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, state water resources secretary, while speaking at a workshop on “Development of Grid Connected Small/Mini/Micro Hydro Projects” here.
Since it would take about five to six years to develop the projects, Odisha will get close to 1,500 Mw hydro power by 2020, he said.
These projects, identified by Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC) under “future projects” category, will provide irrigation facility to nearby farmlands along with power generation. Most of the projects will be constructed on rivers Bansadhara, Kolab, Tel, Mahanadi and Brahmani, in the southern, south-western and coastal parts of the state, where food grains like corn, paddy and pulses are cultivated.
Out of the 10 identified projects, units with larger capacity will be constructed by a joint venture company comprising OHPC and National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC), while private players will be given the contracts to develop the smaller plants.
"Due to security issues, we can’t leave private players to develop the power plants with larger reservoir capacity,” said Mahapatra, referring to growing Naxal violence in the area.
The JV formed by OHPC and NHPC was entrusted with the job of developing the 320 Mw Sindol hydro power project in the state. But the project was later scrapped following stiff opposition by locals.
The water resources department is also keen to generate solar power by setting up solar panels over the canals and tributaries, on the lines of a similar project completed by the Gujarat government. Mahapatra said, interested private developers can approach the department for assistance and other clearances.
Hydro power generation has become a major issue for the state energy department because of growing demand for power amid uncertainty from thermal power producers due to coal supply problems. Currently, the state gets about 800 Mw from its seven hydro power plants during the monsoon days out of its total need of 3,000 Mw. Stressing on the need of hydro power capacity addition, minister of state for energy Arun Sahoo said habitat displacement and acquisition of farm land has become major challenges for setting up hydro power plants, and the government is trying its best to address these problems.
"The government is keen to develop small and micro hydel plants, which will generate about 235 Mw power in the current financial year,” he said.
