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Promoting Ultra Low-Head Micro Hydropower Technology To Increase Access To Renewable Energy For Productive Uses In Rural India

This document answers the Frequently Asked Questions about the technology in a comprehensive way. The questions are divided in 7 different parts, namely: Project Information, Technology, Operation & Maintenance, Cost and Financing, Social and Environmental concerns, Business opportunities and Policy/ Regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. PROJECT INFORMATION

What is the ultra low head micro hydro technology?

Micro Hydro generation is the generation capacity of up to 100 kW through hydropower

while ultra low head is defined as up to (including) 3 m head. Thus Ultra low head micro

hydro technology means generation of up to 100 kW by utilizing a head of up to 3 m through

hydropower.A Japanese technology named STREAM is being demonstrated in this project.

What is the UNIDO project?

Current UNIDO project is an intervention to promote ultra low-head micro hydropower

technology to increase access to renewable energy for productive uses in rural India. Key

activities of the project are: 1) Identification of business opportunities via technology

transfer; 2) Demonstration of mini-grid system for productive uses; 3) Capacity building with

institutional networking; and 4) Awareness-raising and market/investment opportunities to

mainstream the new technology.

For further details, click here or see at http://ureda.uk.gov.in/newwhat/view/52 for project

Brochure.

What is the budget of the this program

€ 1,060,000 in 2013

What all organizations are involved in this project and what is their role. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is the government

coordinating agency. Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA),

Uttarakhand Irrigation Department, Alternate Hydro Energy Centre, Indian Institute of

Technology (AHEC- IITR), SME’s, local communities are other organisations involved in the

project. Their role is specific to their activities.

What is the timeline of this project? Would this project be carries out in phases?

The project duration is 2 years starting from April 2013.The project plan is of one phase and

is to demonstrate three pilot projects along with capacity building programme.

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2. TECHNOLOGY

How is this technology different from the various locally available ones (e.g. penstock

based, or Gharats, etc.)?

The technology can be implemented at any man-made water channels for irrigation, water

supply, sewage, power station waterways, dam outlets, barrages, drainage from factories

and habitat, agricultural watercoursewithout the diversion of water. This eliminates the

need ofextensive civil work inputand is cost efficient. The turbine generator set is compact

and portable. Once designed, manufactured and transported to site, it requires about 5

days for complete installation. The technology is applicable for the yet untapped ultra low

head (<3.0 m) potential.

What is the unique feature of the STREAM- ULH system compared to conventional

hydropowersystem?

The key features that differentiate this ULH technology from the conventional technologies

are: 1.) It aims at installations in preexisting man-made channelsfor irrigation, water

supply, sewage, power station waterways, dam outlets, barrages, drainage from factories

and habitat, agricultural watercourse, 2.) No diversion of water is required and the

machine is installed in existing waterways so civil work requirement is minimal., 3.) It taps

the yet unused ultra low head range of hydro, 4.) Installation time is remarkably shorter (a

few days compared to longer time (few months to one or more year) in conventional

system) and 5.) Less environmental impacts compared to conventional schemes, 6) The

turbine generator unit is compact and portable, 7) The unit can be cascaded, 8.) Twin

runners with guide vanes assure operation of single runner at lower discharge. Thus the

PLF increases, 9.)Dual mode output (on and off grid)gives an edge in remote non-

electrified areas.

By what time is this technology expected to be commercially available in India?

This UNIDO project is 2 years duration. The incubation of the technology with potential

local manufacturers has been started.It is expectedthat the technology will becommercially

available in 1.5 to 2 years along with the speed of incubation for manufacturing.

What is the extent of availability of the technology- PAN India?

The technical transfer is being conductedin Uttarakhand/ Haryana first. The learnings are

expected to disseminate to other regions and countries in due course.

Can we tap more than the ultra-low head range (> 3.0 m)?

The technology is specifically manufacturedfor ultra low head range of operation. Though,

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it is possible to tap more than 3.0 m but there are other conventional technologies already

available commercially for a head range over 3meters.

Can less than 1 m fall be used for generation?

Yes, this technology can operate at a head as low as 0.5 m. For a 10 kW installation for 0.5

m head, 5 cubic meters per second discharge would be required.

How much space should be required (length x width x depth)in a canal for installation of

such a machine?

At the fall, the preferable width of canalshould be about 1.5 m for a 10 kW installation.

Though depth is not a major concern, it is preferable to have atleast 1.0 m depth.

What would be the amount of water required for a full load generation?

This technology has aneffective head range of up to3.0 m.Assuming 3 m of available head,

in order to generate 10 kW or more, discharge of abt. 0.85 cubic meter per second or more

is required.

Does this technology have any installations in India?.

Yes, the pilot installation is at Hydraulic Research Station (HRS), Irrigation Research

Institute (IRI) Bahadarabad, Uttarakhand and is about 13 km fromHaridwar and 18 km

from Roorkee.

What are the design head and discharge for the pilot unit at IRI Bahadarabad?

Design head: 1.4 m; Design discharge: 2.3 cubic meter per second

Is the first pilot a grid-connected project?

The project is not currently grid connected. The project unit is supplying electricity to IRI

campus through a local (mini) grid. However, the plant is designed for both options- grid

as well as off grid.

When will the grid connection be done at IRI Bahadarabad?

It is expected to be completed by October 2014.

What is the current load on the IRI Bahadarabad system?

Office, Guesthouse, streetlights and model tray hangers in the HRS, IRI campus accounts

to 8 kW load.

How much energy generation has been achieved till now at IRI Bahadarabad?

Though the unit was installed in December 2013, it was in incubation phase till now. The

demonstration phase startedfrom March 1, 2014.During this timemachines had been

undergoing some teething issues, thereforean overall monitoring was done but generation

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was not recorded.

What is the efficiency of the system?

System has an overall efficiency of 0.4.

Why does the turbine have twin runners?

These twin runners have adjustable guide vanes. During low discharge, one of the guide

vanes can be completely closed allowing the other turbine to operate on better, orfull load

conditions.

Is it possible to put a single turbine set to generate electricity and would that kind of

system be available in future?

The machine manufacturer has installed single runner/generator turbines in Japan. Its

availability in India is yet to be discussed.

Is there any speed regulating mechanism for the machine?

Yes, manual operated guide vanes are present.

What is the time frame required for installation?

Installation time is about5 days, which may vary according to the civil work requirement

of the site.

What was the installation time at IRI?

5 days after receipt of the unit at site and completing the preparatory civil works.

What are the skills requiredfor installation of such a system in an agriculture waterway

near rural setup?

Installation of the system would be the responsibility of the manufacturer. In addition, a

local civil contractor for installation activities and local person with basic knowledge of

mechanical and electrical would be required.

What are the activities involved in installation of the machine?

The basic activitiesthat are involved includepreparing the original profile of canal section,

water stoppage request for facilitating the installation, installation of trash rack, erection

of machine and peripherals, electrical connections, sealing the electrical connections and

linkage to the load. Further, based on the canal conditions, some modification/

upgradation might be required.

Is the machine in a single piece? What are the components that need assembling at site

or at manufacturing location?

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Yes, the Turbine generator is an integrated set, coupled with the gear assembly. However,

for ease in transportation, turbine and generator are transported in separate packages and

coupled at site. The components of control panel for IRI Bahadarabad were assembled in-

situ.For next pilots, the control panel would be assembled at workshop and transported as

a single unit.

How can this system be used to supply local load?

A mini grid can be formed using the system as the source and the local load can be

connected to it directly. Further, if grid connection is available locally, dual mode

connection can be provided which feeds excess power to grid when there is no load in the

system

The system is said to be operational in dual mode output i.e. grid and off grid

application, can it be designed to operate only in one of the two modes- if the site

requires?

It can be designed to operate in either of the modes but the dual mode is a flexible option

to work upon. If any remote site is not yet grid connected, the dual mode operation would

be the potential option of future expansion ensuring that its function is not redundant upon

grid extension.Also, in case of SME’s dual mode operation allows the power to be fed to

the grid during non-use hours e.g. night.

Can the output powerbe connected to grid at Low Tension (i.e. 415 V)?

The Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (Tariff and Other Terms for Supply

of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources and non-fossil fuel based Co-generating

Stations) Regulations, 2013 allow the connectivity of generation from 4 kW to 75 kW to be

connected to low voltage three-phase supply directly. Thismay be extended to hydro

systems as well.

For such a connection in Uttarakhand, project owner submits an application to UREDA.

UREDA forwards the application to concerned department (Uttarakhand Power

Corporation Limited) and conveys the decision to the applicant, thereafter.

Cansingle-phase power be fed to the grid?

Single-phase power can be used for a local load i.e. off grid application. For grid

connections, a three-phase supply would be required.

Can the machine generate only 10 kW? What if the potential at a site is more?

Yes, if the potential is available, the machine can generate more than 10 kW. Installation

upto 40 kW is feasible. The UNIDO pilot is aimed to demonstrate 10 kW generation. (The

system uses 2×7.5kW generators).

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The application at various head and discharge values can be obtained through the power

curve.

For how much time can the system generate electricity?

Machine can generate electricity 24×7. Output at site depends on the availability of input

parameters i.e. head and discharge as well as connected load.

What is the life of project installed?

The life of core components of the turbine is estimated to be 20 years. With proper use and

maintenance, longer life maybe considered.

In general any new technology operates fine for some time and then it doesn't perform

the way it should. Would this be one of the same cases?

Through this project, UNIDO aims to introduce commercially available market-ready

technologies to showcase on-ground innovative energy solutions. This means piloting

activity is needed to demonstrate the technology under various site conditions and identify

ways of replication and dissemination.Thistechnology is in use in Japan, however, in India

it is in a trial phase andthe objective is to try and incorporate the learning into corrective

action points. Also, proper operation and maintenance process is essential to any

mechanical installation.This aspect is further being strengthened by extensive capacity

building and technology transfer under this project.

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How can we use this technology for hilly areas?

In hilly regions, generally the head is high and discharge is less. This technology is

designed to work on an effective head of upto 3.0 m. If such potential and road

infrastructure is available, ULH technology can be installed.

If we use penstock type (pointed) of water supply to the turbines, with less head like in

upper mountains, will this technology still work?

The technology is patented as the complete package. There are no plans of adding such

inlet to the system. Further, the machine is designed for optimum generation in the Ultra

Low Head range (upto 3.0 m).

Will this technology work on the outlets of sewage treatment plants?

The power generation is possibleon raw as well as treated sewage water.

Do the equipment come from Japan or available in India? Are they easily available?

For the first pilot demonstration, the turbine generator system has been imported from

Japan while control panel was manufactured in India. The next two pilots would aim to

have a majority indigenous system. In future, UNIDO would explore the possibility to

propagate the technology through localization by involving a set of manufacturers.

What is the material used in the manufacturing of the turbines?

To ensure a long and extended function, turbine runners are made of stainless steel SS400,

outer body is also made of stainless steel.

Where did you test these machines?

Testing is generally done in place where it is manufactured in Japan, i.e. Nakayama Metal

Works factory in Saga, Kyushu and its surrounding facilities.

Was the machine tested in an Indian laboratory before installation at site?

Machine was not tested in an Indian laboratory. However, as a part of technology transfer,

the machine shipped from Japan was studied at the local partner’s workshop.The

continued performance of the equipment in Japan also provides testament to its function.

Does this technology require any mechanical installation system or it can be done

manually? In the manual case, what is the special equipment that is required?

A 10 kW machine weighs about 2 tons. It is generally lifted using cranes.

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The size of the machine seems relatively large while it only generates 10kW. Is it possible

that the size of the machine is reduced so that it can fit in a lesser space and also use

lesser water to operate?

The head and discharge parameters at the site decide the machinesize. Machine installed

at IRI Bahadarabad has a design head and design discharge of 1.4 m and 2.3 cubic meters

per second, respectively. If another site for a 10 kW installation would have a higher head,

machine size would be smaller.

Are there plans to reduce the size of the system to like 5kW, 7kW or likewise?

The decision on the size of the system depends on the site specifications and demands.

What kinds of control panels are being used and would it be ensured that the readings

and outputs are easily recorded?

The control panel is used to stabilize the output from the machine. A panel is used to

display the output parameters on the screen, from where it can be read and recorded.

How is this technology different from alternate energy sources like solar energy in terms

of easy availability and less O & M requirement..

Solar energy is intermittent in nature, while hydropower is reliable (considering a canal

with perennial flow).Civil work requirement and time of installation is minimal in this

ULH technology.

How would the technology be propagated? Does it have a market in India?

A preliminary survey has been undertaken in various states covering Central, North, South

and North East part of the country. During the survey, ULH projects totaling about 300

MW at dam outlets, 1000 MW at canal falls and 100 MW at very low head micro hydro

potential has been assessed.

An Indian manufacturer has been identified as a local counterpart for manufacturing and

O&M. After the installation of three and their performance monitoring, capacity building

programme would be undertaken for various segments (entrepreneurs, financers, policy

makers) to propagate the technology.

One capacity building “Awareness Programme” has already been conducted on Dec 5,

2013 by AHEC-IITR (Alternate Hydro Energy Centre)- the capacity building partner. A

master plan of identified sites and knowledge hub of ULH technology is also proposed to

be prepared.

ULH has a good potential in India as is clear from the preliminary survey in various states.

With the right strategy, the technology would be available in the market to cover the yet

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untapped Ultra Low Head potential across the country.

Is this tested for being fish friendly?

No formal testing has been done for fish passing through the turbine. However, small sized

fishes are expected to pass from the space between the two runners.

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3. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE (O&M)

Is it easy to maintain? What is the expected O&M cost?

Yes, the system is easy to maintain. Bearings require change in 6-12month. Regular

lubrication is recommended.Expected O&Mcost is about 5% of initial installation cost.

Who would operate the machine? How can one maintain it?

Anyone who has the basic understanding of the machine/ technology can operate the

machine. Routine activities would involve cleaning trash (if any), regulating the water flow

(in case of flow variation). Routine maintenance of the parts is recommended.

UNIDO would be carrying out training workshops for potential operators and train them

for maintenance too. On an average 5 man-days are required over a year to maintain this

machine effectively.

Is there any provision for easy availability of spare parts for the machine in case of

regular O&M?

In the effort to localize the technology, a local manufacturer is identified in India. With

local manufacturing in place,, spare parts would be available easily. As is envisaged

currently, the spare parts would be available with the local partner of the technology.

More details would be available as the project progresses.

Who is the local manufacturer to whom technology transfer has been effected and

product/ units available?

At present the Century Cranes a company based in Faridabad is involved in local

manufacturing. (Contact Person, Mr. Viemal Langer, Business Head. Mobile: +91 98101

57191; Email: exports@centurycranes.com)

Would this machine interfere in the operations of canal or scheduling of water?

Hydropower generation is a non-consumptive use of water. The operation of the machine

would not cause any interference with the operations of canals or scheduling of water. In

case the machine is not operating, a bypass provision for water flow is always provided to

ensure the water availability downstream.

Can it be used to light up the remote hilly villages? How would the O&M (sourcing of

equipment and trained resources) be taken care of in such case?

Due to the constraint of quality infrastructure required for transportation, hilly areas will

need further research and analysis to determine the overall feasibility.

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4. COST AND FINANCING

What is the current cost of thisultra-low head micro hydro system?

The current cost of installation is about 10, 000 USD per kW.

Why is the cost of the machine so high?

Cost is high since the machine was bought in Japan and brought through airfreight and

the material is stainless steel.

Is there any scope of reducing the cost of the entire technology set up?

The cost of the production of the technology is expected to reduce through the utilization of

locally available resources in terms of machine manufacturing and skilled labor.

Increasing the local production of unit would further lead to cost reduction.

What is the expected price of the technology in India?

The price currently achievable in India is around 6,000-7,000 USD per kW with some core

machine parts imported from Japan.Further target is to lower it down to 4000 USD per kW.

This, however, depends on the level of indigenous manufacturingbased on the absorptive

capacity of local manufacturers and economy of scale.

How can the financing for the project be done?

The project can be financed by taking loan from financial institutions (eg. IREDA etc.)

Efforts may be made for financing through district financial banks.

What financial support would Government provide to a private party for installation?

MNRE is providing subsidy for installation of micro hydropower project. For an

installation of a 10 kW unit under ULH-MHP project in Uttarakhand, subsidy of 2 lacs INR

can be received by private/ cooperative/ joint sector. There would be no subsidy for the

state sector for a 10 kW project.

Other subsidies may follow.Further, financial support is listed as below:

a. Subsidy to stand alone and grid interactive small hydro power projects

b. Term loans through IREDA for SHP projects (includes MHP)

c. 10 year tax holiday on grid interactive power generation projects.

d. Special subsidy for water mills (mechanical or electrical).

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What is the generation cost per unit energy?

Per unit generation cost is in the range of 5 to20 INR per unit electricity, based on the

sensitivity analysis for 5, 7, 10 kW system.Such cost is competitive with diesel-based

electricity, which often is used in decentralized remote area

Can the project generate enough revenue for self-sustainability?

Yes, with support from government and indigenous manufacturing, the project is expected

to be self-sustainable.

Would tariff be feasible for a good Internal Rate of Return (IRR?)

With indigenous manufacturing the installation cost and hence the generation cost per unit

is expected to go down. The tariff in Uttarakhand is about 3.92 INR per unit for hydro

projects up to 5 MW. If required, project specific tariff may also be applied for,.

Will a project specific tariff for pilot projects be available?

In the Awareness Program conducted on Dec 5, 2013, project specific tariff was discussed.

UERC would deal the matter on merit basis and ULH project may apply for a project

specific tariff. For ULH projects installation, technology specific tariff may be requested.

Is the generation cost recoverable from the current tariff rates?

Per unit cost of generation ranges from INR 5 to 20 while the current hydropower tariff in

Uttarakhand is 3.92 INR per unit.At the current cost of technology and the current tariff,

the recovery is prolonged to a great extent. UERC (Uttarakhand Electricity Regulatory

Commission) can be approached for a project specific tariff. Further, with the localization

of the technology, the cost is expected to come down.

Do state governments in India also have provisions for co-financing or supporting the

ultra low head hydro generation as renewable energy?

The State Government supportsrenewable energyincluding small hydro.However, there is

no financial support availablespecifically by StateGovernment. In due course, state

Government may be approached to get their support as available for watermill.

How different are the costs for per unit in this case in comparison to taking electricity

from the already existing grids.

Per unit cost of generation ranges from INR 5 to 20 while the current hydropower tariff in

Uttarakhand for domestic ranges from 2.30 INR per unit to 3.5 INRand for non-domestic

ranges from 3.85 INR per unit to 4.55 INR per unit..However, the availabilityof electricity

in remote area is poor and diesel sets are used for supplying the power y individuals. The

cost of electricity based on diesel sets is in the range of INR 15-20 per unit.

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How would the generation of electricity from such technologies be cost effective in

comparison to the existing grid system? Or will it be competitive or so?

Going into the future,the cost effectiveness of this technology when compared to the

currently heavily subsidized existing grid system with substantial reliance on fossil fuel

prices is unknown. The price of the technology is expected to reduce with increased local

manufacturing, increased research and increased installations while the price of fossil fuel

is generally considered to rise. Therefore the currently existing viability gap is expected to

reduce although it must be mentioned that the competiveness and grid partity depend to a

large extent on the government policies and quantities of early adoption. (UNIDO has

intervened with pilot project because it saw an opportunity to facilitate in closing the gap

between clean energy vs grid by way of technology transfer and localization.)

What are the various options to get co-financing in such low head based technology and

how government at national and state level thinks about them? Or are their other

agencies supporting through financing to the local communities.

To promote decentralized energy generation through micro hydro projects (<100 kW

capacity) in remote areas, the Central Financial Assistance (CFA)by Government of India

is provided as per the following.

S. No. Areas Amount of CFA

1

International Border Districts (excluding

Arunachal Pradesh as it is already covered

under the PM package)

INR 1,00,000/- per KW

2 North Eastern and Special category States

(Sikkim, J&K, HP and Uttarakhand)

(other than 1 above)

INR 80,000/- per KW

3 Other States (other than 1 above) INR 40,000/- per KW

For availing CFA, a minimum contribution of 10% of project cost for North Eastern &

special category States (S. No. 2) and 20% for other states (S. No. 3) should be met by the

beneficiaries/project owners.

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5. SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

What are the potential environmental impacts associated with this installation?

The machine is considered to have minimal environmental concernscompared to other

larger turbines due to its physical structure as well as application as it is installed on an

existing canal/ channel and requires minimal civil works modifications. Installation

process involves use of cranes. DG sets may be used for welding/ soldering, if required at

site. It is sort of a plug and play device, in addition to being compact and portable.

How can it help in overall social benefits to the rural communities?

Provision of continuous source of electricity can help with improving the standard of living

in the rural communities. A reliable source of electricity is not only beneficial for

household purposes but also helps in the improving productivity of agriculture practices

and provides employment generation through business development.

What is the target group for this installation?

The target group can be anyone who requires electricity and may include Small & medium

enterprise, entrepreneurs, group of communities and individuals

How can this technology help Small &medium enterprise/ entrepreneurs/ group of

communities/ individuals in their livelihood security?

As per our survey and interaction with different communities, good quality and reliable

electricity is not available in most part of the country. The electricity production by the

technology is uninterrupted and continuous (considering the channel is perennial), thus

helping the individuals/ groups/ enterprise in domestic and productive uses.

What is the social acceptability of this technology in your experiences? Had it been tried

in Japan or elsewhere in rural areas?

The installation at IRI Bahadrabad is the first installation of such type therefore it is too

early to talk about acceptability here. The technology is being used in Japan andnumerous

successful installations have been done in Japan.The social acceptability of this

technology in Japan is positive.

In case of remote areas with no proper road network, can this technology be taken ? Or

is this technology appropriate to remote rural setting where we don’t have

electrification?

The machine and accessories have to be transported from the manufacturing unit. Hence,

a proper infrastructure is required. However, the site may be reviewed to assess the

alternative options of transportation.

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The technology is very appropriate and reliable for remote rural setting. The dual mode

connection of the technology is beneficial for such sites.

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6. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Where can this system be installed- possibilities? How big is the potential market?

The system can be installed on any low head waterway such as irrigation canal, sewage

channel, tail race channel of power house, drainage from factories, etc with a fall upto 3.0

m head. In Indian context, preliminary surveys have been conducted in 8 states covering

plain hilly north, NE and south and a huge untapped ultra low head potential is found

available.

Who can access and install this technology? Is it only available to Government - since

it’s a tie up of Indian government and Japanese government?

This technology would be available to all- government and private sectors alike.

Is the technology feasible as a business model?

10kW is considered as the low end of the scale in a sector where financial feasibility has a

strong correlation with installation capacity size. However, cascade (series) installations

will provide possibilities to compete.

Would this technology be available in other states as well?

Uttarakhand is chosen only for pilot demonstration; the technology would be available

throughout the country.

What is the potential available for the technology?

A preliminary survey has been undertaken in various states covering Central, North, South

and North East part of the countrycovering hilly as well as mountain terrain. During the

survey, ULH projects totaling about 300 MW at dam outlets, 1000 MW at canal falls and

100 MW at very low head micro hydro potential has been assessed. Potential assessment

for other states would soon be undertaken.

Who would help for post commissioning O&M support?

The owner should pay for O&M cost after hand over of the system. The cost would be

covered through the revenue generated from the power produced.

How is it planned to spread the technology in wider geographical area?

Strategic expansion centering Indian manufacturing is envisioned. Thereis also potential

in Africa and other region in Asia such as Myanmar, Laos and other Mekong countries.

For rural areas, wouldn’t the transportation of turbines be an issue?

Yes, it would be but limited to specific sites. Most of the villages, if connected with the road

and has truck/ bus movement, would not pose any problem.

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Is this technology cheaper in comparison to other renewable energy options like Solar,

Wind or biomass based technologies?

While solar and wind are intermittent technologies, the costs are estimated based on the

losses due to irregular presence of sources. Bio-energy can provide a continuous source of

energy depending on regular supply of organic biomass. However, the technologies have a

developed learning curve therefore the current price comparison would deem them to be

cheaper.

Hydro-energy is a continuous resource therefore continuous source of energy. However, the

ultra-low head micro technology is a new technology with relatively less experience in the

market globally. Therefore, once the technology has increased application in the country

and the market with indigenous manufacturing is developed, the costs are bound to reduce

and shall be comparative with other renewable energy applications.

Will the enterprise be more benefited from such technology in comparison to using other

alternate energy sources like Solar energy, Bio-mass or wind energy? How?

The unit is installed at the channels, which is mostly at the road head. Further, the

technology utilizes the existing infrastructure and there is no diversion of channel or

requirement of a land acquisition. This results in cost and timesaving. Hydropower power

is more reliable in terms of availability when compared to intermittent solar and energy or

the fuel dependent (generally transported to the site of energy generation) biomass energy.

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7. POLICY/ REGULATIONS

How would this technology be implemented, considering the Hon’ble High Court stay

order (2011) on hydropower in Uttarakhand?

Since this technology is to be installed on existing infrastructure. Thus there is no new site

on any natural stream.

What are the related policy and regulations related to micro hydropower?

Hydro Policy 2008

Electricity Act 2003

Policy for Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources in Uttarakhand with Private Sector/

Community Participation 2008

UERC (Tariff and Other Terms for Supply of Electricity from Renewable Energy Sources

and non-fossil fuel based Co-generating Stations) Regulations, 2013

How supportive are the government policies in the propagation or installation of such

technologies.

Through different policies, government promotes small & mini hydroelectric projects,

strengthens the role of PSUs/SEBs for taking up new hydroelectric projects, and increases

private investment. It aims to achieve such targets by introducing simplified procedures for

the development of Hydro power through transfer of clearances, rationalization of hydro

tariff, promoting hydel projects through joint ventures, giving government support for land

acquisition, appropriate resettlement & rehabilitation, catchment area development, etc.

Government policies also create provisions of capital subsidy for SHP installation, subsidy

to households in BPL category, capital subsidy and soft long-term debt finances for

investments in rural electrification to reduce the cost of electricity supply in rural areas.

Further, power evacuation, banking and wheeling facilities are available by electricity

regulator.

Are there policy provisions for 10kW micro hydropower in India and what are they?

The policy provisions in hydro sector in India are for small hydropower (<25 MW). Policy

for micro hydropower (<100 kW) is not specifically available. Though highersubsidy

support is available for the project of micro hydro (100 kW or below). Government extends

power evacuation, banking and wheeling facilities. Through this project, we look forward

to providing policy recommendations directed at micro hydropower sector.

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Does the Government of India have plans to support such technologies in future and

have they done something on this front?

Government of India supports such technologies to improve the competitiveness of

industrial enterprise. MNRE (Government of India) has signed a Country Programme of

Technical Cooperation (2013-2017) with UNIDO in Sept 2013. The cooperation goals of

the programme includetransfer of globally competitiveenergy efficient and renewable

energy technology.

If a canal, under the jurisdiction of Uttar Pradesh,falls in the physical boundaries of

Uttarakhand, what would it be considered as a potential pilot candidate?

Normally ownership of a canal and other infrastructure lies with the concerned state

government agencies. Inexception cases, the ownership may be with other states, basically

for operation & maintenance purposes. In those cases, the owner(even being outside state)

has to be approached for consent/ clearance.

What are the permissions required for installation?

Primarily for a private entrepreneur, a request/ application to UREDA has to be sent.

UREDA would forward the application to the Irrigation Department, in case the project is

proposed on a fall in an Irrigationcanal. Thereafter, UREDA would convey the approval to

the project developer according to the reply of Irrigation Dept. Moreover, the application

for subsidy has to be sent to UREDA.

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