Abohar Branch Canal Based Small Hydro Project in Punjab, India
Mini hydropower on the Abohar Canal
Abohar Power Generation Private Limited (APGPL) operates five independent mini-hydropower plants on the Abohar Branch in Punjab with a combined capacity of 5.30 MW. The plants utilize existing canal falls, do not require a storage reservoir and return the water after the turbine. The electricity flows into the grid; the sites went into operation in 2009-2010.
Project goals
Clean electricity from sewer gradients
The project uses the water flow in the existing canal system, which would otherwise remain unused, to generate electricity. It replaces fossil grid electricity and thus reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Irrigation operations remain unchanged as no water is consumed. At the same time, it strengthens the power supply in the state of Punjab.
Technical details
| Technologie | Verfahren | Besonderheiten |
|---|---|---|
| Wasserkraft (Niedrigfall, Kanal) | Vertikalachsige Kaplan-Turbinen (Semi-/Full Kaplan; Turbinen für geringe Fallhöhen) | Fallhöhe 1,860–3,709 m; Durchfluss 26,5–36,044 m³/s; Trapezförmiger Kanalquerschnitt; kein Speicher, Rückleitung ins Kanalbett |
| Generatoren | Induktionsgeneratoren, 415 V / 11 kV | Semi-Outdoor-Kraftwerke; je Standort 1 Schaltfeld; Einspeisung ins NEWNE-Grid |
| Anlagenübersicht | 5 Mini-Hydel-Anlagen: Khanpur 2×550 kW; Sudhar 2×700 kW; Akhara 2×550 kW; Gholian 1×800 kW; Channowal 1×900 kW | Gesamtleistung 5,30 MW; Inbetriebnahmen: 09/2009–05/2010 |
| Bauwerke | Verstärkte Mauerwerks-Fallstruktur; Vorbecken/Einlauf und Unterwasser in Trapezform | Unverkleideter Kanal; je Standort Vor- und Unterwasserstrecken |
Economic and social benefits
- 1
Employment
During construction, operation and maintenance, additional jobs will be created for local workers.
- 2
Local economy
The project promotes economic activities and business opportunities in the area.
- 3
Power quality
The quality, frequency and availability of electricity in the region is improving.
- 4
Infrastructure
The infrastructure in and around the locations is being expanded and upgraded.
- 5
Network reinforcement
The project strengthens the local grid and reduces the gap between electricity demand and supply in the deficit-ridden national grid.
- 6
Low losses
Short distances to load centers reduce transmission losses.
- 7
Agro-Impulse
In a predominantly agricultural environment, reliable electricity supports industrial growth and agro-based businesses.
Global climate significance
CO₂ reduction
The project avoids an average of 23,527 tCO2e per year over the selected 10-year crediting period, as it replaces fossil grid electricity.
Decrease in pollutants
Lower specific emissions of air pollutants, particulate matter and toxic gases compared to conventional power generation.
Resource protection
Utilization of existing sewer drops without water consumption or new reservoir construction conserves resources.
Energy diversity
Contribution to the diversification of the national energy mix.
Conclusion
The five mini-hydropower plants use existing canal gradients efficiently and without interfering with irrigation. They supply renewable electricity to the grid and reduce emissions. At the same time, they bring tangible supply and infrastructure benefits to the region.