Abohar Power Generation Private Limited (APGPL) has constructed five independent small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 5.30 MW along the Abohar branch canal in the state of Punjab, India. The power plants use the natural water flow of the canal to generate environmentally friendly electricity - without any dams or major interventions in the landscape.

Without this project, the energy potential of the water would have remained untapped and the electricity would have been generated by fossil fuel power plants instead. As water use is regulated by the state irrigation authority, electricity production is based on the flow of water - for example during irrigation periods for agricultural land. The project is already operating successfully and is making an important contribution to sustainable energy supply in the region.

Project goals

The project pursues several objectives that have a positive impact on both the environment and society:

• Use of renewable energies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Improving the electricity supply in rural areas
• Promoting economic and social development in the region
• Conservation of natural resources through sustainable energy generation

Technical details

• Number of power plants: 5 independent small hydropower plants
• Total output: 5.30 MW
• Locations: Khanpur, Sudhar, Akhara, Gholian and Channowal villages
• Technology: Kaplan turbines with vertical axis
• Mode of operation: The water is extracted from the canal, drives the turbines and is then returned unchanged
• Grid connection: The electricity generated is fed into the regional power grid

Benefits for people and the environment

The project contributes significantly to the economic development of the region:

• Job creation - employment opportunities during the construction phase as well as long-term jobs for operation and maintenance.
• Improved power supply - stabilizing the regional power grid with clean energy.
• Economic growth - supporting local agriculture and industry with reliable electricity.
• Infrastructure expansion - improving the quality of life by developing the surrounding area.

Global climate impact

By using hydropower, the project reduces dependence on fossil fuels and actively contributes to climate protection:

• Reducing CO₂ emissions - Avoiding emissions by replacing fossil energy.
• Less air pollution - No emissions of particulate matter or toxic gases as in coal-fired power plants.
• Conservation of water resources - No additional water extraction as the water is returned after use.
• Promotion of renewable energies - contribution to energy security and sustainable power supply.

The small hydropower project on the Abohar branch canal is a successful example of clean, decentralized energy generation with numerous benefits for people and the environment. It shows how renewable energies not only contribute to climate protection, but also sustainably strengthen the economy and society.