Presentation Title
Hydroelectric Power and Sustainable Development in Himachal Pradesh, India
Location
Council Chambers
Start Date
11-10-2013 3:45 PM
End Date
11-10-2013 5:15 PM
Abstract
Much has been made of India’s emergence as a global power in recent years. In spite of the rapid growth in India’s economy, there are many serious issues affecting the majority of its people, still living at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’. Basic electricity is one such challenge. While India is currently the world’s 4th largest consumer of electricity, it also has one of the least developed infrastructures in place to generate it. Indeed, one third of India’s 1.2 billion people live without any source of electricity whatsoever. The need to address the challenges of ecological degradation and global warming has made renewable sources of energy, such as hydropower, an attractive alternative. In order to increase investment in this sector, the government of India has encouraged entrepreneurs to develop small hydropower plants, with up to 25 megawatt capacity. These small hydro power projects have started to proliferate in the mountainous regions of India, where there is an abundance of natural streams. This paper explores the social, economic and environmental impacts of small hydroelectric development in the State of Himachal Pradesh, in the Indian Himalayas.
Hydroelectric Power and Sustainable Development in Himachal Pradesh, India
Council Chambers
Much has been made of India’s emergence as a global power in recent years. In spite of the rapid growth in India’s economy, there are many serious issues affecting the majority of its people, still living at the ‘bottom of the pyramid’. Basic electricity is one such challenge. While India is currently the world’s 4th largest consumer of electricity, it also has one of the least developed infrastructures in place to generate it. Indeed, one third of India’s 1.2 billion people live without any source of electricity whatsoever. The need to address the challenges of ecological degradation and global warming has made renewable sources of energy, such as hydropower, an attractive alternative. In order to increase investment in this sector, the government of India has encouraged entrepreneurs to develop small hydropower plants, with up to 25 megawatt capacity. These small hydro power projects have started to proliferate in the mountainous regions of India, where there is an abundance of natural streams. This paper explores the social, economic and environmental impacts of small hydroelectric development in the State of Himachal Pradesh, in the Indian Himalayas.
Comments
Presentation is included in Panel 8: Environment and Sustainable Development in Asia