Daily Current Affairs : 20-October-2023

The recent Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF) event that led to the destruction of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim raised concerns about India’s reliance on hydropower. Despite the catastrophe, the Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy has reassured that India’s commitment to hydropower remains steadfast.

Challenges in Hydropower Development
  1. Environmental and Social Impacts:
    • Hydropower projects can cause significant environmental and social challenges.
    • Reservoirs alter landscapes and rivers, reducing flows, raising water temperature, degrading water quality, and causing sedimentation.
  2. Scientific Evidence and Policy Imperatives:
    • Addressing challenges requires a careful examination of scientific evidence.
    • Balancing energy policy imperatives while considering geopolitical factors is crucial.
India’s Growing Energy Landscape
  1. Transformation in the Power Sector:
    • India’s power sector has undergone a substantial transformation in the past decade.
    • Over 175 GW generation capacity has been added since 2014, transforming the country into a power surplus nation.
  2. Hydropower Potential and Utilization:
    • India possesses a vast hydropower potential of 1,45,000 MW.
    • Currently, only 26% of this potential has been exploited, with large hydropower plants constituting around 12% of the country’s electricity mix.
The Role of Hydropower in India’s Future Energy Mix
  1. Renewable, Non-Polluting, and Environmentally Friendly:
    • Hydropower is clean, green, renewable, and environmentally friendly.
    • With a focus on non-polluting energy sources, hydropower gains renewed importance in India’s energy mix.
  2. Long Useful Life of Hydro Projects:
    • Many hydro projects, such as Bhakra, Pykara, Mettur Dam, Pallivasal, and Sivasamudram, have been operational for several decades.
    • Their longevity showcases the reliability and durability of hydropower projects.
Policy Measures and Future Directions
  1. Hydro Power Development Policy:
    • India’s policy on hydro power development, formulated in 1998, aims to prevent a decline in the hydropower sector.
    • Emphasizes the need for measures to exploit the vast hydro-electric potential, particularly in the North and North Eastern Regions.
  2. Ambitious Targets:
    • The Government of India has set ambitious targets, aiming to enhance non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
    • This goal was announced in the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, reflecting India’s commitment to renewable energy sources.

Important Points:

Challenges in Hydropower Development:

  • Hydropower projects cause significant environmental and social impacts.
  • Reservoirs alter landscapes, reduce river flows, raise water temperature, degrade water quality, and cause sedimentation.
  • Balancing energy policy imperatives and considering geopolitical factors is crucial.

India’s Growing Energy Landscape:

  • India’s power sector has undergone a significant transformation, becoming power surplus.
  • India possesses a vast hydropower potential of 1,45,000 MW, with only 26% currently exploited.
  • Large hydropower plants constitute around 12% of the country’s electricity mix.

Role of Hydropower in India’s Future Energy Mix:

  • Hydropower is clean, green, renewable, and environmentally friendly, gaining importance in India’s energy mix.
  • Many hydro projects, like Bhakra, Pykara, Mettur Dam, Pallivasal, and Sivasamudram, have been operational for several decades, showcasing their reliability.

Policy Measures and Future Directions:

  • India’s policy on hydro power development, formulated in 1998, aims to prevent a decline in the hydropower sector.
  • The Government of India has set ambitious targets, aiming to enhance non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.
Why In News

The Union Minister for Power and Renewable Energy assured the nation that despite the devastating Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF) that led to the destruction of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim, India remains committed to its renewable energy goals. Emphasizing the government’s dedication to exploring safer and more sustainable hydropower alternatives, the minister highlighted ongoing initiatives to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure while prioritizing environmental conservation.

MCQs about India’s Hydropower Future

  1. What was the key factor that led to the destruction of the Chungthang dam in Sikkim?
    A. Excessive rainfall
    B. Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF)
    C. Earthquake
    D. Poor construction
    Correct Answer: B. Glacier Lake Outburst (GLOF)
    Explanation: The Chungthang dam was destroyed due to a Glacier Lake Outburst event.
  2. What is the main aim of India’s policy on hydro power development, as formulated in 1998?
    A. Reducing hydropower’s share in the energy mix
    B. Exploiting vast hydro-electric potential
    C. Increasing reliance on fossil fuels
    D. Encouraging energy deficits
    Correct Answer: B. Exploiting vast hydro-electric potential
    Explanation: The objective of India’s policy on hydro power development is to undertake measures for the exploitation of the vast hydro-electric potential in the country.
  3. What ambitious target has the Government of India set for non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030, as announced in the COP26 Summit in Glasgow?
    A. 100 GW
    B. 250 GW
    C. 500 GW
    D. 750 GW
    Correct Answer: C. 500 GW
    Explanation: The Government of India has set an ambitious target to enhance non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, as announced in the COP26 Summit in Glasgow.

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