π Topic 03 of 6 Β· Chapter 09 Β· Renewable Energy Technology
Hydro, Tidal & Geothermal Energy in India
Bhakra Nangal, Gulf of Kutch tidal, Puga Valley geothermal β complete notes for UPSC & PSC exams.
π§ Hydroelectric Power in India
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Share in electricity | ~12% of India’s electricity |
| Installed capacity | ~47 GW (2024) |
| Largest hydro state | Himachal Pradesh (highest hydro potential) |
| Largest project | Bhakra Nangal (Sutlej river, HP/Punjab) β 1,325 MW |
| Highest dam | Tehri Dam (Bhagirathi, Uttarakhand) β 261m β 2,400 MW |
| Pumped Hydro Storage | Tehri Pumped Storage (1,000 MW) β grid-scale energy storage |
π Tidal Energy in India
- Tidal energy uses rise and fall of tides to generate electricity
- Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) = highest tidal energy potential in India (tidal range up to 8 metres)
- Gulf of Khambhat (Gujarat) = also significant tidal potential
- India has NOT yet commercially exploited tidal energy
- World’s largest tidal power station: La Rance (France, 240 MW)
π Geothermal Energy in India
- Geothermal energy uses heat from Earth’s interior
- Puga Valley (Ladakh) = highest geothermal potential in India; hot springs and geysers
- Manikaran (Himachal Pradesh) = significant geothermal potential; hot springs
- India has NOT yet commercially exploited geothermal energy
- World’s largest geothermal power: USA (The Geysers, California)
β Key Facts:
β’ Hydroelectric = ~12% of India’s electricity; ~47 GW capacity
β’ Bhakra Nangal = largest hydroelectric project = Sutlej river
β’ Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) = highest tidal energy potential in India
β’ Puga Valley (Ladakh) = highest geothermal potential in India
β’ Himachal Pradesh = largest hydro potential state
β’ Hydroelectric = ~12% of India’s electricity; ~47 GW capacity
β’ Bhakra Nangal = largest hydroelectric project = Sutlej river
β’ Gulf of Kutch (Gujarat) = highest tidal energy potential in India
β’ Puga Valley (Ladakh) = highest geothermal potential in India
β’ Himachal Pradesh = largest hydro potential state