Life Cycle Analysis of Run-of River Small Hydro Power Plants in India

Abstract

For 7-8% growth rate that India is aspiringfor, its energy needs will increase correspondingly. The challenge is to provide desired quality power in a sustainable manner and at reasonable cost. Small hydropower has the potential of about 15000 MW in India and considered to be a reliable source of electricity generation. Three run-of river small hydro-power projects in India has been identified and their Life Cycle Analysis has been carried out by using the economic input output (EIO) technique. The energy use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy pay-back period (EPBT) were quantified for these small hydro power plants.