The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has invited bids for a 6 MW (2 x 3 MW) small HEP to be set up at Maripuzha, Kerala. The scope of work involves construction of trench weir, intake duct and chamber, power duct and power channel, forebay, surplus, channel, power house, tail race pool and channel, access roads, bridges, switch yard. The scope of work also involves the fabrication and erection of penstock and other allied works. The work is expected to be completed in 30 months at an estimated cost of Rs 500 million. The last date for submission of bids is January 15, 2020.
On March 7, 2019, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the inclusion of hydro-based power generation in the renewable energy category given the segment’s potential to meet the country’s electricity demands sustainably. This move is expected to help in the development of regions located in the higher Himalayas and the Northeast, which account for the majority of the hydropower potential in the country. Further, hydropower projects will help stabilise the grid as India looks to increase the share of variable renewable energy sources (solar and wind power) to meet its growing power demand. The industry welcomed the move, particularly the provision that made the offtake of hydropower mandatory under hydro purchase obligations (HPOs), which will be a part of the non-solar renewable purchase obligations (RPOs). However, even eight months after the approval, the government has not introduced a formal hydropower policy defining the targets, solutions and growth trajectory for the segment. Meanwhile, the segment continues to face challenges and stressed assets remain a sore point.
Read more about the hydropower segment here: https://renewablewatch.in/2019/11/08/small-steps/