Study of different issues and challanges of small hydro power plants operation

Global increase in electricity requirement and renewed interest in renewable energy sources makes the small hydropower (SHP) development a subject of interest worldwide. The world estimated potential of SHP is around 180,000 MW. India has an estimated potential of about 15000 MW with perennial flow rivers, streams and a large irrigation canal network with dams and barrages. The small and mini-hydel projects have the potential to provide energy in remote and hilly areas where grid system is un-economical, need a relatively short time for implementation and are not generally affected by the constraints associated with large hydro projects, such projects have been proactively promoted by the Government of India (GOI). This paper will examine the key regulatory challenges and issues that are faced for promoting SHP. These SHP Projects are mostly located in hilly and remote areas. Various issues and traumas observed during installation and operation of the power plant are presented in this paper. Also, issues in electrical and mechanical components, transportation, sediments during rainy season, ice freezing, dense forest etc. are searched and extracted out and remedies for the same are presented.