ABSTRACT

Hydro Power Project may be used as one of the option for achieving
the energy targets in a developing country like India where center or
state Governments have limited financial resources to put in large
projects which require long gestation period. One additional
advantage with the Small Hydro Power. Project is that private
partners may get attracted due to low investment and quicker
return in comparison to large projects. The last but not least is the
most eco friendliness of small power projects which is a point of
serious concern in case of thermal, or nuclear or sometimes in big
Hydro power projects depending upon the location of the projects.
Small Hydro Power potential in India is still under-utilized and there
is need to tap this potential for optimum utilization of natural
resources. In Madhya Pradesh, Small hydro plants are not many,
however there is good scope for developing such plants. Tawa is one
of such plants in MP, which has been developed as canal head
powerhouse on the left bank canal (LBC) of Tawa irrigation project
by a private investor. This plant is working in a very efficient
manner

addressing

both

the

power

and

irrigation

aspects

successfully. This example will attract the private investments in

small hydropower sector in the developing countries like India

INTRODUCTION
Hydropower is a renewable, non-polluting and environment friendly
source of energy. It is perhaps the oldest energy technique known to
mankind for conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Hydropower represents use of water resources towards inflation free
energy due to absence of fuel cost. Hydropower contributes around
22 % of the world electricity supply generated. The total potential of
small Hydropower of the whole world is 780,000 MW out of
which50,000 MW has already been utilized. Small Hydro is also the
highest density resources in generation of electricity due to the
reason of being it environment friendly, flexibility in operation and
suitability in giving support in peak time to the local grid. Due to
the small gestation period, small capital investment and quicker
return involved, in recent years it has become the point of attraction
for private sector. Fiscal incentive announced by the central and
state Governments time to time for investment in this sector have
further caused private investor to give attention to this sector. Small
hydro power plants (SHP) provide maximum benefits in minimum
time. And offers the fastest economical means to enhance power
supply, improve living standards, stimulate industrial growth and

enhance agriculture with the least environmental impact and

without heavy transmission losses .Due to less transmission losses
there is a reduction in distribution cost as well. Its availability at
the head of the irrigation canals and small streams is also a one of
the added advantage

HISTORY OF HYDROPOWER
Humans have been harnessing water to perform work for
thousands of years. The Greeks used water wheels for grinding
wheat into flour more than 2,000 years ago. Besides grinding flour,
the power of the water was used to saw wood and power textile mills
and manufacturing plants.

For more than a century, the technology for using falling water
to create hydroelectricity has existed. The evolution of the modern
hydropower turbine began in the mid-1700s when a French
hydraulic and military engineer, Bernard Forest de Blidor wrote
Architecture Hydraulique. In this four volume work, he described
using

vertical-axis

versus

horizontal-axis

machine.

During the 1700s and 1800s, water turbine development

continued. In 1880, a brush arc light dynamo driven by a water
turbine was used to provide theatre and storefront lighting in Grand

Rapids, Michigan; and in 1881, a brush dynamo connected to a

turbine in a flour mill provided street lighting at Niagara Falls, New
York.

These

two

projects

used

direct-current

technology.

Alternating current is used today. That breakthrough came

when the electric generator was coupled to the turbine, which
resulted in the world's, and the United States', first hydroelectric
plant located in Appleton, Wisconsin, in 1882.

HYDROELECTRIC POWER / HYDROELECTRICITY

Hydro means "water". So, hydropower is "water power" and
hydroelectric power is electricity generated using water power.
Potential energy (or the "stored" energy in a reservoir) becomes
kinetic (or moving energy). This is changed to mechanical energy in
a power plant, which is then turned into electrical energy.
Hydroelectric power is a renewable resource.
In

an

impoundment

facility

(see below), water is stored

behind a dam in a reservoir. In
the dam is a water intake. This
is

a narrow opening to a tunnel

called a penstock.

Water pressure (from the weight of the water and gravity)

forces the water through the penstock and onto the blades of a
turbine. A turbine is similar to the blades of a child's pinwheel. But
instead of breath making the pinwheel turn, the moving water
pushes the blades and turns the turbine. The turbine spins
because of the force of the water. The turbine is connected to an
electrical generator inside the powerhouse. The generator produces
electricity that travels over long-distance power lines to homes and
businesses. The entire process is called hydroelectricity.

SIZE, TYPE AND CAPACITY OF HYDROELECTRIC

FACILITIES
Large facilities
Although no official definition exists for the capacity range of large
hydroelectric

power

stations,

facilities

from

over

few

hundred megawatts to more than 10 GW are generally considered

large

hydroelectric

facilities.

Currently,

only

three

facilities

over 10 GW (10,000 MW) are in operation worldwide; Three Gorges

Dam at 22.5 GW, Itaipu Dam at 14 GW, and Guri Dam at 10.2 GW.
Large-scale hydroelectric power stations are more commonly seen
as the largest power producing facilities in the world, with some

hydroelectric facilities capable of generating more than double the

installed capacities of the current largest nuclear power stations.

Itaipu Dam
Small
Small hydro is the development of hydroelectric power on a scale
serving a small community or industrial plant. The definition of a
small hydro project varies but a generating capacity of up to
10 megawatts (MW) is generally accepted as the upper limit of what
can be termed small hydro. This may be stretched to 25 MW and 30
MW in Canada and the United States. Small-scale hydroelectricity
production grew by 28% during 2008 from 2005, raising the total
world small-hydro capacity to 85 GW. Over 70% of this was
in China (65 GW), followed by Japan (3.5 GW), the United States (3
GW), andIndia (2 GW)
Small hydro stations may be connected to conventional electrical
distribution networks as a source of low-cost renewable energy.
Alternatively, small hydro projects may be built in isolated areas

that would be uneconomic to serve from a network, or in areas

where there is no national electrical distribution network. Since
small hydro projects usually have minimal reservoirs and civil
construction work, they are seen as having a relatively low
environmental impact compared to large hydro. This decreased
environmental impact depends strongly on the balance between
stream flow and power production.
Micro
Micro

hydro

is

for hydroelectric

term

used

power installations

that typically produce up to 100 kW of

power. These installations can provide
power to an isolated home or small
community, or are sometimes connected to electric power networks.
There are many of these installations around the world, particularly
in developing nations as they can provide an economical source of
energy

without

purchase

of

fuel. Micro

hydro

systems

complement photovoltaic solar energy systems because in many

areas, water flow, and thus available hydro power, is highest in the
winter when solar energy is at a minimum.

Pico
Pico

hydro

is

term

used

for hydroelectric power generation of

under5 kW. It is useful in small,
remote communities that require only
a small amount of electricity. For
example,

to

power

one

or

two

fluorescent light bulbs and a TV or radio for a few homes. [21] Even
smaller turbines of 200-300W may power a single home in a
developing country with a drop of only 1 m (3 ft). A Pico-hydro setup
is typically run-of-the-river, meaning that dams are not used, but
rather pipes divert some of the flow, drop this down a gradient, and
through the turbine before returning it to the stream.
An underground power station is generally used at large facilities
and makes use of a large natural height difference between two
waterways, such as a waterfall or mountain lake. An underground
tunnel is constructed to take water from the high reservoir to the
generating hall built in an underground cavern near the lowest
point of the water tunnel and a horizontal tailrace taking water
away to the lower outlet waterway.
TYPES OF HYDROPOWER PLANTS

There are three types of hydropower facilities: impoundment,

diversion, and pumped storage. Some hydropower plants use dams
and some do not. The images below show both types of hydropower
plants.
Many dams were built for other purposes and hydropower was
added later. In the United States, there are about 80,000 dams of
which only 2,400 produce power. The other dams are for recreation,
stock/farm ponds, flood control, water supply, and irrigation.
Hydropower plants range in size from small systems for a home or
village

to

large

IMPOUNDMENT

projects

producing

electricity

for

utilities.

The most common type of hydroelectric power plant is an

impoundment facility. An impoundment facility, typically a large
hydropower system, uses a dam to store river water in a reservoir.
Water released from the reservoir flows through a turbine, spinning
it, which in turn activates a generator to produce electricity. The
water may be released either to meet changing electricity needs or
to maintain a constant reservoir level.
DIVERSION

A diversion, sometimes called run-of-river, facility channels a

portion of a river through a canal or penstock. It may not require
the use of a dam.
PUMPED STORAGE
When the demand for electricity is low, a pumped storage
facility stores energy by pumping water from a lower reservoir to an

upper reservoir. During periods of high electrical demand, the water

is released back to the lower reservoir to generate electricity.
Pumped storage hydro-electricity works on a very simple
principle.Two reservoirs at different altitudes are required. When
the water is released, from the upper reservoir, energy is created by
the downflow which is directed through high-pressure shafts, linked
to turbines.
In

turn,

the

turbines

power

the

generators

to

create

electricity.Water is pumped back to the upper reservoir by linking a

pump shaft to the turbine shaft, using a motor to drive the pump.
The pump motors are powered by electricity from the National
Grid - the process usually takes place overnight when national
electricity demand is at its lowestA dynamic response - Dinorwig's
six generating units can achieve maximum output, from zero,
within 16 seconds.Pump storage generation offers a critical back-up
facility during periods of excessive demand on the national grid
system.
.

SIZES OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS

Facilities range in size from large power plants that supply
many consumers with electricity to small and micro plants that
individuals operate for their own energy needs or to
sell power to utilities.
Large hydropower
Although

definitions

vary,

the

U.S.

Department of Energy defines large hydropower as

facilities that have a capacity of more than 30
megawatts.
Small hydropower
Although definitions vary, DOE defines small hydropower
as facilities that have a capacity of 100 kilowatts to 30 megawatts.

Microhydropower
A microhydropower plant has

a capacity of up to 100 kilowatts. A small or microhydroelectric

power system can produce enough electricity for a home, farm,
ranch, or village.

TURBINES INSTALLATION
LAYOUT OF HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
Hydroelectric power plants convert the hydraulic potential
energy from water into electrical energy. Such plants are suitable
were water with suitable head are available. The layout covered in
this article is just a simple one and only cover the important parts
of hydroelectric plant.The different parts of a hydroelectric power
plant are

(1) Dam

Dams are structures built over rivers to stop the water flow
and form a reservoir.The reservoir stores the water flowing down the
river. This water is diverted to turbines in power stations. The dams
collect water during the rainy season and stores it, thus allowing for
a steady flow through the turbines throughout the year. Dams are
also used for controlling floods and irrigation. The dams should be
water-tight and should be able to withstand the pressure exerted by
the water on it. There are different types of dams such as arch
dams, gravity dams and buttress dams. The height of water in the
dam is called head race.

(2) Spillway

A spillway as the name suggests could be called as a way for

spilling of water from dams. It is used to provide for the release of

flood water from a dam. It is used to prevent over toping of the

dams which could result in damage or failure of dams. Spillways
could be controlled type or uncontrolled type. The uncontrolled
types start releasing water upon water rising above a particular
level. But in case of the controlled type, regulation of flow is
possible.
(3) Penstock and Tunnel
Penstocks are pipes which carry water from the reservoir to
the turbines inside power station. They are usually made of steel
and are equipped with gate systems.Water under high pressure
flows through the penstock. A tunnel serves the same purpose as a
penstock. It is used when an obstruction is present between the
dam

and

(4) Surge Tank

power

station

such

as

mountain.

Surge tanks are tanks connected to the water conductor

system. It serves the purpose of reducing water hammering in pipes
which can cause damage to pipes. The sudden surges of water in
penstock is taken by the surge tank, and when the water
requirements increase, it supplies the collected water thereby
regulating

water

flow

and

pressure

inside

the

penstock.

(5) Power Station

Power station contains a turbine coupled to a generator. The
water brought to the power station rotates the vanes of the turbine
producing torque and rotation of turbine shaft. This rotational
torque is transfered to the generator and is converted into
electricity. The used water is released through the tail race. The

difference between head race and tail race is called gross head and
by subtracting the frictional losses we get the net head available to
the turbine for generation of electricity.

NATIONAL HYDROELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION

NHPC Limited (Formerly National Hydroelectric Power

Corporation), A Govt. of India Enterprise, was incorporated in the
year 1975 with an authorised capital of Rs. 2000 million and with
an objective to plan, promote and organize an integrated and
efficient development of hydroelectric power in all aspects. Later on
NHPC expanded its objects to include other sources of energy like
Geothermal, Tidal, Wind etc.
Market Value
At present, NHPC is a schedule 'A' Enterprise of the Govt. of
India with an authorized share capital of Rs. 1,50,000 Million .
With an investment base of over Rs. 2,20,000 million Approx. In
2009-2010 NHPC made a profit after tax of Rs2090 crores . A
increase of 94% than the previous year profit of 1050 crores. NHPC
is among the top ten companies in India in terms of investment.
Department of Public Enterprise, Govt. of India recently conferred
prestigious Miniratna status to NHPC.
Initially, on incorporation, NHPC took over the execution of
Salal Stage-I, Bairasiul and Loktak Hydro-electric Projects from
Central Hydroelectric Projects Control Board. Since then, it has
executed 13 projects with an installed capacity of 5175 MW on
ownership basis including projects taken up in joint venture. NHPC

has also executed 5 projects with an installed capacity of 89.35 MW

on turnkey basis. Two of these projects have been commissioned in
neighbouring countries i.e. Nepal and Bhutan.
On-going Work
Presently NHPC is engaged in the construction of 11 projects
aggregating to a total installed capacity of 4622 MW . NHPC has
planned to add 5322 MW during 11th Plan period. 10 projects of
9981

MW

are

awaiting

clearances/Govt.

approval

for

their

implementation. Detailed Projects report or Feasibility Report are

being prepared for 7 projects of 5755 MW.
Since its inception in 1975, NHPC has grown to become one of
the largest organizations in the field of hydro power development in
the country. With its present capabilities, NHPC can undertake all
activities from concept to commissioning of hydroelectric projects.
This is a list of major hydroelectric power plants in India.
STATIOM

COMMUNITY

Andhra
Pradesh
Andhra
Nagarjunasagar
Pradesh
Sardar Sarovar Gujarat
Baspa-II
Himachal
Srisailam Dam

OPERATOR

GENERATOR
UNITS

CAPACITY
(MW)

APGenco

6 150, 7 110

1,670

APGenco
SSNNL
JHPL

1 X 110, 7 X 100.8,
965
5 X 30
6X200, 5X140
1,450
3 X 100
300

Pradesh
Himachal
Nathpa Jhakri
Pradesh
Bhakra Dam
Punjab
Himachal
Dehar
Pradesh
Himachal
Baira Suil
Pradesh
Himachal
Chamera-I
Pradesh
Himachal
Chamera-II
Pradesh
Himachal
Pong
Pradesh
Uri
Jammu &
Hydroelectric
Kashmir
Dam
Jammu &
Dulhasti
Kashmir
Jammu &
Salal
Kashmir
Sardar
Sarovar[5]

SJVNL

6 X 250

1,500

BBMB

5 X 108, 5 X 157

1,325

BBMB

6 X 165

990

NHPC

3 X 60

180

NHPC

3 X 180

540

NHPC

3 X 100

300

BBMB

6 x 66

396

NHPC

4 X 120

480

NHPC

3 X 130

390

NHPC

6 X 115

690
400

Sharavathi

Karnataka

KPCL

Kalinadi

Karnataka

KPCL

Linganamakki
Dam
Idukki

10 X 103.5, 2X27.5,
1,469
4 X 60
2X50, 2x135, 4X150, 1,225
3X50, 3X40

Karnataka

Kerala
Madhya
Bansagar Dam
Pradesh
Madhya
Bargi Dam
Pradesh
Madikheda
Madhya

55
KSEB

6 X 130

780
425
105
60

Dam

Pradesh
Madhya
Omkareshwar
Pradesh
Madhya
Indira Sagar
Pradesh
Loktak
Manipur
Khuga Dam
Manipur
Koyna
Maharashtra
Mulshi Dam
Maharashtra
Jayakwadi Dam Maharashtra
Kolkewadi Dam Maharashtra
Rangeet
Sikkim
Teesta-V
Sikkim
Tanakpur

Uttarakhand

Dhauliganga-I

Uttarakhand

Loharinag

Uttarakhand

NHPC

8 X 65

520

NHPC

8 X 125

1,000

NHPC

3 X 35

105

MahaGenco 18 X 106.67

1,920
150
12

NHPC
NHPC

60
510

NHPC X 40
NHPC X 70
NTPC X 150

3 X 20
3 X 170
3
4
4

120
280
600

THE FOLLOWING HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER PLANTS WERE

VISITED DURING THE EDUCATIONAL TOUR .

1. NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM ON 29TH NOVEMBER, 2010

2. SRISAILAM HYDRO POWER PLANT ON 30TH NOVEMBER,

2010

1.

NAGARJUNA SAGAR DAM

FACTS AND FIGURES

Official name

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

Location

Nalgonda District, Andhra

Pradesh, India

Coordinates

1636N

7920E

16.6N 79.333E

Construction began 1956

Opening date

1960

Construction cost

1300 crore rupees

DAM AND SPILLWAYS

Length

1,450 metres (4,757 ft)

Height

124 metres (407 ft) from river level

Impounds Krishna River

RESERVOIR
Creates

Nagarjuna Sagar Reservoir

Capacity

11,472 million cubic metres

Catchment area 215000 km (83012 sq mi)

Nagarjuna Sagar Dam

is the world's largest masonry dam

built across Krishna River in Nagarjuna Sagar,Nalgonda District of

Andhra Pradesh, India. It is downstream to the Nagarjuna Sagar
reservoir with a capacity of up to 11,472 million cubic metres which
is the world's largest man-made lake with a concrete wall of that
measures 6 ft (1.8 m). thick. The dam is 490 ft (150 m). tall and

16 km long with 26 gates which are 42 ft (13 m). wide and 45 ft (14
m). tall.It is one of the earliest irrigation and hydro-electric projects
in India. The dam provides irrigation water to the Nalgonda District,
Prakasam District, Khammam District and Guntur District.
HISTORY
The proposal to construct a dam to use the excess waters of
the Krishna river was put forward by the British rulers in 1903.
Siddeswaram, Hyderabad and Pulichintala were identified as the
suitable locations for the reservoirs. The perseverance of the Raja of
Muktyala paved way for the site identification, design and
construction of the dam.

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION

The dam water was released by the then Prime Minister's

daughter, Indira Gandhi in 1967.[5] The construction of the dam
submerged an ancient Buddhist settlement, Nagarjunakonda, which

was the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty in the 1st and 2nd
centuries, the successors of the Satavahanas in the Eastern
Deccan. Excavations here had yielded 30 Buddhist monasteries, as
well as art works and inscriptions of great historical importance. In
advance of the reservoir's flooding, monuments were dug up and
relocated. Some were moved to Nagarjuna's Hill, now an island in
the middle of the reservoir. Others were moved to the mainland.
EFFECT OF THE PROJECT

Nagarjuna Left Canal

The project benefited farmers in the districts of Guntur,
Prakasam, Krishna, Nalgonda and Khammam. The right canal
(a.k.a Jawahar canal) is 203 km long and irrigates 1.113 million
acres (4,500 km) of land. The left canal (a.k.a Lalbahadur Shastri
canal) is 295 km long and irrigates 0.32 million acres (800 km) of
land in Nalgonda and Khammam districts of Telangana region. The
project transformed the economy of above districts. 52 villages were

submersed in water and 24000 people were affected. The relocation

of the people was completed by 2007.[4]
POWER GENERATION
The hydroelectric plant has a power generation capacity of
815.6 MW with 8 units (1x110 MW+7x100.8 MW). First unit was
commissioned on 7 March 1978 and 8th unit on 24 December
1985. The right canal plant has a power generation capacity of 90
MW with 3 units of 30 MW each. The left canal plant has a power
generation capacity of 60 MW with 2 units of 30 MW each. [7]
The dam is constructed on the border of Guntur and Nalgonda
districts. The dam also provides drinking water to the Nalgonda
town.

2. SRISAILAM HYDRO POWER PLANT

FACTS & FIGURES

Location
Coordinates

Srisailam,
160513N

India
785350E

/ 16.08694N 78.89722E

Construction began 1960

Opening date

1981

DAM AND SPILLWAYS

Length

512 m (1,680 ft)

Height

241 m (791 ft)

Impounds

River Krishna

Reservoir
Creates

Srisailam Reservoir

206,040 km2
Catchment area
(79,550 sq mi)
Surface area

800 km2 (310 sq mi)

POWER STATION CAPACITY

Turbines

6 150MW (left
bank)
7 110MW (right
bank)

Installed capacity 1,670 MW

The Srisailam Dam is a dam constructed across the Krishna

River at Srisailam in the Kurnool district in the state of Andhra
Pradesh in India and is the 2nd largest capacity hydroelectric
project in the country.
The dam was constructed in a deep gorge in the Nallamala
Hills, 300 m (980 ft) above sea level. It is 512 m (1,680 ft) long,
240.79 m (790.0 ft) high and has 12 radial crest gates. It has a
huge reservoir of 800 km2 (310 sq mi). The left bank hydroelectric
power station generates 6 150 MW of power and right bank
generates 7 110 MW of power. the dam also surrounded by thick
forests and beautiful sceneries.
The Srisailam project began in 1960, initially as a power
project, across the Krishna, near Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh.
After several delays, the main dam was finally completed twenty
years later in 1981. In the meantime the project was converted into
a multipurpose facility with a generating capacity of 770 MW by its
second stage which was expected to be completed in 1987. The dam

is to provide water for an estimated 2,000 km2 (770 sq mi) with its
catchment area of 206,040 km2 (79,552 sq mi) and water spread of
1,595 km2 (616 sq mi). Under the right branch canal 790 km2 (310
sq mi) in Kurnool and Cuddapah districts will have assured
irrigation. From the initial modest estimate of Rs.384.7 million for a
power project the total cost of the multipurpose project was
estimated to cross Rs.10 billion in its enlarged form. The 143 m
(469 ft) high and 512 m (1,680 ft) wide dam has alone cost Rs.4.04
billion together with the installation of four generating sets of 110
MW each.

The right branch canal is estimated to cost Rs.4.49 billion and

the initial investment of Rs.1.4 billion has been provided by the
World Bank. The projected cost-benefit ratio of the project has been
worked out at 1:1.91 at 10% interest on capital outlay.On 2 October
2009, SriSailam dam experienced a record inflow which threatened
the dam.

Srisailam Hydel Power Project Important Dates

Project Status: Completed
Project Type/Scale: New Unit
Industry: Electricity Generation - Hydel Based
Investment/Estimated Cost: Rs. 2,500.00 Crores / USD 625.00
Million
Monday, September 01,

Planning Commission approval

1986

received

Wednesday, May 31, 1995 Initial commissioning date

Tuesday, December 31,

Expenses incurred till 1 (Rs. 1,123.63

1996

Crores)

Wednesday, February 28,

Expenses incurred till 1 (Rs. 2,300.00

2001

Crores)

Friday, April 27, 2001

First unit commissioned

Monday, October 29, 2001 Second Unit Commissioned

Sunday, April 21, 2002

Third Unit Commissioned

Friday, November 29, 2002 Fourth Unit Commissioned

Friday, March 28, 2003

First unit commissioned

Thursday, July 31, 2003

Sixth unit completion by

Thursday, September 04,

2003
Tuesday, September 30,
2003
Friday, October 31, 2003

Sixth Unit Commissioned

Completed
Completion by

Future Project :- Srisailam Mini Dam

Company: Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corpn. Ltd.
Ownership: State Govt. - Commercial Enterprises
Project Location: 14.5 kms down main Srisailam dam,Srisailam,
Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, India

Project Status: Active Project Type/Scale: New Unit

Industry: Storage & Distribution
Investment/Estimated Cost: Rs. 100.00 Crores / USD 25.00
Million
Thursday, January 01, 2004 Date of announcement
Saturday, July 31, 2004

Initial commissioning date

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF HYDROPOWER

Hydropower offers advantages over other energy sources but
faces unique environmental challenges.

ADVANTAGES
Hydropower is a fueled by water, so it's a clean fuel source.
Hydropower doesn't pollute the air like power plants that burn
fossil fuels, such as coal or natural gas.
Hydropower is a domestic source of energy.
Hydropower relies on the water cycle, which is driven by the
sun, thus it's a renewable power source.
Hydropower is generally available as needed; engineers can
control the flow of water through the turbines to produce
electricity on demand.
Hydropower plants provide benefits in addition to clean
electricity.
Impoundment hydropower creates reservoirs that offer a
variety

of

recreational

opportunities,

notably

fishing,

swimming, and boating. Most hydropower installations are

required to provide some public access to the reservoir to allow
the public to take advantage of these opportunities. Other
benefits may include water supply and flood control.

DISADVANTAGES
Fish populations can be impacted if fish cannot migrate
upstream past impoundment dams to spawning grounds or if
they cannot migrate downstream to the ocean. Upstream fish
passage can be aided using fish ladders or elevators, or by
trapping and hauling the fish upstream by truck. Downstream
fish passage is aided by diverting fish from turbine intakes
using screens or racks or even underwater lights and sounds,
and by maintaining a minimum spill flow past the turbine.
Hydropower can impact water quality and flow. Hydropower
plants can cause low dissolved oxygen levels in the water, a
problem that is harmful to riparian (riverbank) habitats and is
addressed using various aeration techniques, which oxygenate
the water. Maintaining minimum flows of water downstream of
a hydropower installation is also critical for the survival of
riparian habitats.
Hydropower plants can be impacted by drought. When water is
not available, the hydropower plants can't produce electricity.
New hydropower facilities impact the local environment and
may compete with other uses for the land. Those alternative
uses may be more highly valued than electricity generation.
Humans, flora, and fauna may lose their natural habitat. Local
cultures and historical sites may be impinged upon. Some

older hydropower facilities may have historic value, so

renovations of these facilities must also be sensitive to such
preservation concerns and to impacts on plant and animal life.