Good rain boosts power generation

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsWith monsoon remaining active across the State and rainfall fairly widespread, water level in major reservoirs has increased much to the relief of the Government.“A good hydro condition in the reservoirs will augur well for the State where power crisis has become a permanent feature,” said a senior official in the Energy Department.Though the State has hydro power generating capacity of 2085 MW, it failed to harness the green power during the crisis situation due to poor hydro condition in the reservoirs. Water level in all major reservoirs was below the minimum draw down level (MDDL) affecting power generation.The availability of hydro power was less than 400 MW a fortnight ago when the State was facing a peak shortage of 700 MW. In normal situation, the hydro power stations have the capacity to supply over 1500 MW. Besides, the hydel power is much cheaper than the thermal.The State relies more on the Indravati hydel station with a capacity to generate 600 MW and Rengali having 250 MW capacity for better efficiency. The two hydel stations are comparatively new and have better technology.While the full reservoir capacity of Indravati is 642 mt, the water level of the reservoir was below the MDDL at 225 mt, most of the year, before the monsoon.With good rainfall recorded in the upper catchments of Indravati, the reservoir level was 635.68 mt against 226.20 mt on this day last year. At the time of reporting, over 460 cusec of water was entering the reservoir filling 54 per cent of the live storage capacity.The Water Resources Department is regulating the release of water from the reservoir for hydro power generation to ensure storage of water for future use.The five units of the Rengali hydro power station remained idle for most part of the summer due to poor water level. Water-level in the reservoir was below MDDL (109.72 mt) before the recent spell of rains. However, now it has touched 116.75 mt against 115.24 mt during the corresponding period last year and is still increasing.On an average, Rengali hydro station is providing nearly 200 MW to the State.Similarly, water-level in Hirakud dam is at 613.50 ft against the full reservoir capacity of 630 ft with 13 gates opened. Burla and Chiplima hydel stations are generating about 200 MW of power on a daily average.Water level is also increasing in Balimela and Upper Kolab reservoirs. While Balimela has the potential to generate 510 MW, Upper Kolab hydel station has a generating capacity of 320 MW.first published:January 01, 1970, 05:30 ISTlast updated:January 01, 1970, 05:30 IST
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With monsoon remaining active across the State and rainfall fairly widespread, water level in major reservoirs has increased much to the relief of the Government.

“A good hydro condition in the reservoirs will augur well for the State where power crisis has become a permanent feature,” said a senior official in the Energy Department.

Though the State has hydro power generating capacity of 2085 MW, it failed to harness the green power during the crisis situation due to poor hydro condition in the reservoirs. Water level in all major reservoirs was below the minimum draw down level (MDDL) affecting power generation.

The availability of hydro power was less than 400 MW a fortnight ago when the State was facing a peak shortage of 700 MW. In normal situation, the hydro power stations have the capacity to supply over 1500 MW. Besides, the hydel power is much cheaper than the thermal.

The State relies more on the Indravati hydel station with a capacity to generate 600 MW and Rengali having 250 MW capacity for better efficiency. The two hydel stations are comparatively new and have better technology.

While the full reservoir capacity of Indravati is 642 mt, the water level of the reservoir was below the MDDL at 225 mt, most of the year, before the monsoon.

With good rainfall recorded in the upper catchments of Indravati, the reservoir level was 635.68 mt against 226.20 mt on this day last year. At the time of reporting, over 460 cusec of water was entering the reservoir filling 54 per cent of the live storage capacity.

The Water Resources Department is regulating the release of water from the reservoir for hydro power generation to ensure storage of water for future use.

The five units of the Rengali hydro power station remained idle for most part of the summer due to poor water level. Water-level in the reservoir was below MDDL (109.72 mt) before the recent spell of rains. However, now it has touched 116.75 mt against 115.24 mt during the corresponding period last year and is still increasing.

On an average, Rengali hydro station is providing nearly 200 MW to the State.

Similarly, water-level in Hirakud dam is at 613.50 ft against the full reservoir capacity of 630 ft with 13 gates opened. Burla and Chiplima hydel stations are generating about 200 MW of power on a daily average.

Water level is also increasing in Balimela and Upper Kolab reservoirs. While Balimela has the potential to generate 510 MW, Upper Kolab hydel station has a generating capacity of 320 MW.