- 2078 Chaitra · 4+2 marks
Hydropower site selection factors
Short answer
Hydropower site selection factors: water availability, sufficient head, sound geology, storage possibility, low sediment load, good access, short grid distance, minimal environmental/social impact, low hazard risk, favorable cost. Discharge factors: catchment area, rainfall plus snow/glacier melt, evapotranspiration losses, catchment characteristics, and upstream abstractions.
What are the factors to be considered during selection of appropriate site for hydropower? Also mentions the factors that govern discharge of a hydropower project.
Factors for selection of a hydropower site
- Availability of water: a river with good, reliable flow (from rainfall, snow and glaciers), shown by long-term hydrological data.
- Available head: a steep river reach or a river bend where a short tunnel gives a large head.
- Geology: sound rock for dam, tunnel and powerhouse; avoid active faults, landslides and weak zones.
- Storage possibility: a narrow gorge with a wide valley upstream if storage is wanted.
- Sediment load: low sediment or space for a desander.
- Access and transport: roads for heavy equipment and construction materials.
- Distance to load or grid: short transmission line reduces cost and losses.
- Environmental and social impact: minimal submergence, resettlement, forest loss and impact on protected areas.
- Natural hazards: floods, GLOF, earthquakes, debris flows.
- Cost of the project: cost per kW and per kWh.
Factors governing discharge of a hydropower project
- Catchment area above the intake.
- Rainfall amount and distribution (monsoon), plus snow and glacier melt.
- Evaporation and transpiration losses.
- Catchment characteristics: slope, soil, geology, forest cover, which control runoff and baseflow.
- Upstream use: irrigation and drinking water abstractions, and riparian release requirement.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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