Site wise details of the Small Hydro Power Houses of Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA Kargil)
Small Hydro Power Project, Bairas, is located in Drass of Kargil UT Ladakh. The project was commissioned on 20/11/2017 and has been supplying power to the local people of Drass.
The SHP runs on the water/discharge available in the Biaras Nallah. The winters are so harsh in Drass, which is also the 2nd coldest inhabited place on the planet. Working of machines is a miracle in such climatic conditions. This is all because of the technology and the untiring efforts of the people and community that the projects remain active throughout winters.
Hundreds of households have been benefitted from the projects.
Chilong Small Hydro Project of KREDA is of 1.0 MW capacity and was commissioned on 19/01/2019. The project runs on the discharge available in the Chilong Nallah. The project has been a very successful hydroelectric power station for the agency. Electricity has provided facilities; it has improved the living standard of the people of the far-flung areas of Suru Valley. The project is compact and very much technically advanced, equipped with modern features. KREDA has introduced latest technologies in order to give maximum output in the peak winters. The systems used in the project are mostly digitalized. The winters are so harsh in the areas of Suru. Working of machines is a miracle in such climatic conditions. Hundreds of households have been benefitted from the projects.
The Small Hydro Power Project, Matayeen, Drass runs on the discharge available in the Matayen Nallah and it was commissioned on 20/10/2020. The project is of only 0.55 MW and is very compact and technically advanced, equipped with modern features. The project remains closed during winters due to very low discharge in the Nallah.
This small hydro power project has been constructed in the Sangrah Nallah and was commissioned on 16/11/2018. Unfortunately, a flood occurred in the night of 27th of July 2021 whereunder the Nallah also got in spate on the same day damaging mainly to Diversion structure, Tail Race, Switchyard and Transmission Line including minor damages to other components. Flood entered into the Power House and all the E&M Equipment installed in the Power House including control panels, turbine and generators got submerged. The project will be restored soon as the UT Government has sanctioned funds for restoration of the project under the Special Development Package.
The Raru project has been successfully commissioned in the month of December 2023. The project is one of the seven SHPs being sanctioned to KREDA under the Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative (LREI) program of the MNRE, GoI. The Commissioning of this small hydroelectric project is a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals and promoting renewable energy sources in the newly emerged Union Territory of Ladakh. The small hydro project of Raru involve tapping the energy generated by flowing water from the Raru river to produce electricity, which is a clean and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel-based power generation.
This power house was under construction till date and is now on completion stage. A minor work in the penstock is remaining including some electrical works. KREDA has prepared a detailed estimate for grid connectivity of the project which stands submitted to the Worthy Administrative Secretary Power and NRE, UT Ladakh for approval and sanction of funds. The project is expected to be commissioned by ending June, 2024 after completing the Governor Programming Commissioning and Automation of AVR Excitation Control Panel.
The Zunkul Hydro Power Plant, is being constructed in Zanskar under KREDA on the discharge available in the Zunkul Nallah. The project is of 2.5MW capacity and shall be covering maximum of the households of Zanskar valley on its commissioning. Penstock erection work and mechanical work in some components is going on. It is expected that the project shall be completed by ending 2024.
Kargil Renewable Energy Development Agency (KREDA) has successfully commissioned a 2.0 MW Small Hydro Project in Raru Zanskar. The project is one of the seven SHPs being sanctioned to KREDA under the Ladakh Renewable Energy Initiative (LREI) program of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI. The Commissioning of this small hydroelectric project is a significant step towards achieving sustainable development goals and promoting renewable energy sources in the newly emerged Union Territory of Ladakh. The small hydro project of Raru involve tapping the energy generated by flowing water from the Raru river to produce electricity, which is a clean and eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel-based power generation.
As true, one of the primary benefits of small hydroelectric projects is their low environmental impact compared to large-scale hydropower plants. The Raru project is a run-off river project with a simple diversion structure on Raru river, which has minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystem of the area.
In addition to its minimal environmental impact, the small hydroelectric project of Raru offer a reliable and consistent source of renewable energy. The small hydroelectric project of Raru can generate electricity around the clock, providing a stable and consistent power supply. The project is running in isolation and the same makes it an ideal option for the off-grid communities of the Zanskar region with unreliable access to electricity, where a consistent power supply is essential for economic development and social well-being.
Furthermore, the most important benefit of commissioning of various small hydroelectric projects by KREDA has helped the agency in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. By generating electricity from flowing water rather than burning fossil fuels, these projects contribute to lowering carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on polluting energy sources. This could also help the Government meeting its climate goals of making Ladakh Carbon Neutral and transition towards a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system.
Yet another benefit of the small hydroelectric projects of KREDA is their potential to create employment opportunities and stimulate local economic development. These projects of KREDA require skilled labor for construction, operation, and maintenance, creating jobs in rural areas and supporting local businesses. In addition, the electricity generated by small hydroelectric projects can help power nearby communities and industries, fostering economic growth and increasing energy security.
The project will provide stable electricity supply to the neighbouring villages in an otherwise unelectrified or partially electrified region. The availability of assured power in Zanskar will enhance the living standard of the people here. Power will primarily be used for the following:
Hence, the commissioning of small hydroelectric projects offers a range of benefits for the environment and society. These projects provide a clean and sustainable source of energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create job opportunities, and support economic development. By investing in small hydroelectric projects, the MNRE, GOI, through KREDA has promoted renewable energy sources, and start combating climate change, and improve the well-being of its people. It is essential for the government of Ladakh, and all other regional stakeholders, and communities to recognize the potential of small hydroelectric projects in Ladakh and prioritize their development as part of sustainable energy future.
