SMALL HYDRO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh has a vast hydel potential to the tune of approx. 21,000 MW (approx. 750 MW under Small Hydro Sector) in the five river basins, 6037 MW harnessed so far. Small hydropower has been recognized as re-liable, eco-friendly and renewable energy source, which can be exploited in decentralized and cost effective manner. Himachal Pradesh Government attaches significant importance to the exploitation of small hydro potential.

ONGOING PROJECTS
PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION

The State Government has taken several initiatives to encourage private sector participation in small hydro power development. Himachal Pradesh is among the few States, which has streamlined and crystallized the various procedures to minimize the bottlenecks and has also finalized the Implementation Agreement and Power Purchase Agreements for small hydro projects.

The process of exploitation of hydel potential in small hydro sector through private sector participation began during 1995-96. Since then, the allotment of project sites has been a continuous process and  till 31st Dec, 2006, MOUs for 299 projects have been signed . 93 projects  have been cancelled /  declared  unviable for various reasons. At present 206 projects with an aggregate capacity of 547.50 MW are in existence , out of which eight projects with an aggregate capacity of 20.65 MW  stands commissioned and 90 projects with an aggregate capacity of 299.40 MW are at Implementation Stage. Rest of the projects i.e. 108 Nos. with an aggregate capacity of 227.45 MW are at MOUs stage.  Power Purchase Agreements for 38  projects have been signed.

UNDP- GEF AND OTHER PROJECTS

Eight projects have been taken up in H.P. under this programme. Out of these  projects, 5 No. projects named Lingti (400 KW) at Kaza in Spiti Valley, Kothi (200 KW) near Manali , Juthed (100 KW) in Tissa Block of Chamba Distt. , Purthi (100 KW) & Sural (100 KW)  in Pangi Valley have been installed and commissioned by HIMURJA in State Sector. Three projects named Solang (1000 KW) near Manali, Rasket (800 KW)near Manikaran in Kullu Distt.& Titang (900 KW) in Kinnaur Distt. have been installed and commissioned. by different IPPs  in Private Sector . Some other projects installed and commissioned by Himurja in State sector are Gharola (100 KW) in Bharmour Sub- Division , Bara Bhangal (40 KW) in remote area of Kangra Distt. and Sarahan  (30 KW) in Shimla Distt..

PORTABLE GENERATOR SETS.
9 No. of 15 KW & 5 No. of 10 KW capacity Portable Hydel Generator sets (Gugler Make, Austria) have been installed in the remote and tribal area of the State, and the electricity have been provided to Saichu, Hillour, Sahali, Chasak Leo, shoon, Maujhi villages in Pangi Valley of Chamba Distt.
 
PROJECTS TO BE OFFERED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION
Projects up to 5.00MW are handled by HIMURJA in following modes.

1. Projects Identified by the IPPs as self identified projects.
2. Projects Identified by HIMURJA.

Small Hydro Project up to 2.00MW capacity shall be exclusively reserved for the bonafide Himachalis and Cooperative Societies comprising  of the bonafide Himachalis. While allotting such projects upto 5.00 MW, preference will be given to the bonafide Himachalis. If there are more than one Himachali (Applicant), preference shall be given to the person of the area, or the Distt.

• Not more than 3 projects shall be allotted for implementation to an IPP .