Optimal design of hydroelectric projects in Uttara Kannada, India

Abstract

The planning of water resources depends on the type and size of projects, the ecological factors involved, etc. Emphasis is placed on presenting an overview of water resources through meteorological, hydrological, ecological and economic data. Economic data include all costs and benefits, specifically those hitherto under estimated, environmental social costs and benefits. This study was carried out on the Bedthi and Aghnashini rivers in the Uttara Kannada district of the Western Ghats region, Karnataka State, India. It is estimated that 720 and 510 million kWh of electricity can be generated in Bedthi and Aghnashini River basins, respectively, if all the streams are harnessed. Focusing on land submergence impact, a model is proposed to minimize submergence and maximize net energy in a region with seasonal power generation, reservoir storage capacity (to meet the region's demand during all seasons) and installed generation capacity as the decision variables. Net energy analyses incorporating biomass energy lost in submergence show that maximization in net energy at a site is possible if the hydroelectric generation capacity is adjusted according to the seasonal variations in the river's water discharge. A Decision Support System (DSS) used for optimal design of hydroelectric projects in Uttara Kannada district is discussed.