PIB class: Press Release. Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Why in News
The renewable energy ministry stated that Small Hydro Power (SHP) holds a distinctive role in India’s clean energy transition.
Static Context (the exam value sits here)
- Small Hydro Power (SHP) is defined by installed capacity up to 25 megawatts in India. The nodal ministry is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- The capacity classes are standardised. Micro is up to 100 kilowatts. Mini is 100 kilowatts to 2 megawatts. Small is 2 to 25 megawatts.
- SHP is a run of river resource in most Indian sites. It needs no large reservoir, so its submergence and displacement footprint is small.
- SHP counts inside India’s non fossil capacity target. It supports decentralised generation in hill and remote areas.
Prelims angle
The 25 megawatt ceiling that defines SHP in India. The nodal ministry MNRE. SHP as a renewable source distinct from large hydro, which the power ministry handles. Run of river design.
Mains angle
GS3, infrastructure and energy. Role of decentralised renewable sources in the energy transition and in hill state electrification.
Matching Previous Year Question
“[2013, GS3, 5 marks] What do you understand by run of the river hydroelectricity project? How is it different from any other hydroelectricity project?”
