Karnataka power sector: a case for hydroelectric power
by D.P. Sen Gupta
International Journal of Global Energy Issues (IJGEI), Vol. 9, No. 4/5/6, 1997

Abstract: Karnataka, a southern state in India, flanked by the rich tropical forests of the Western Ghats, has a large potential for hydroelectric power, only a third of which has been harnessed so far. Only about two decades back, this state had surplus power/energy. The state has of late been going through an acute power crisis due to the unplanned growth of industry, unmetered energy supply to the agricultural sector, large losses in transmission, distribution and inefficient utilisation of electrical energy. Stalling of some hydroelectric projects on environmental issue and delaying the completion of some due to shortage of funds have aggravated the crisis. Coal-based thermal generators are already providing 630 MW of power and more are to be installed soon. A 470 MW nuclear generating station is about to be completed. While this drive for increasing power generation is on, the sustainability of this effort from the economic and environmental view point is being seriously questioned. An alternative end-use-oriented approach to energy planning has been proposed which is described as an 'environmentally sound development pathway'. It seems unlikely, however, that this path will be followed to its end, not at least in the near future. A prudent combination of: (a) hydroelectric power generation, large and small, (b) energy conservation and end-use-oriented energy utilisation to the extent feasible, may be the most economically and environmentally suitable option for some time to come - particularly for Karnataka State.

Online publication date: Thu, 10-Jul-2014

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