Overview
Almatti Dam is a 290 MW hydroelectric power plant in Karnataka, India. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric power plant located in the state of Karnataka, India, with an installed capacity of 290 megawatts (MW). It is an operational facility that harnesses the flow of the Krishna River to generate electricity. As a hydroelectric plant, it represents a renewable energy source, contributing to India's growing portfolio of clean power generation. The plant operates under India's regulatory framework for hydroelectric projects, which includes environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and compliance with the Dam Safety Act. The technology used is typical for run-of-river or reservoir-based hydroelectric plants, with turbines driven by water flow. The 290 MW capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric plants in India. Almatti Dam plays a significant role in the regional power grid, providing peaking power and supporting grid stability. Its operation also supports irrigation and water supply in the surrounding areas. As a renewable energy facility, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation, aligning with India's targets for increasing renewable energy capacity.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric nature means it has a low carbon footprint, but its reservoir can alter local ecosystems and water flow. The dam is located in a semi-arid region, and water management is critical for balancing power generation with agricultural and domestic needs. The facility's operations are subject to environmental flow requirements to maintain downstream river health.
Frequently asked questions
Almatti Dam is located in the state of Karnataka, India, on the Krishna River. Its coordinates are approximately 16.33°N, 75.89°E.
Almatti Dam has an installed hydroelectric capacity of 290 megawatts (MW).
Almatti Dam is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the flow of water from the Krishna River.
Hydroelectric plants in India must comply with environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Dam Safety Act, and water use regulations. They also follow guidelines for environmental flow and resettlement.
As a renewable hydroelectric plant, Almatti Dam provides clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It supports grid stability and helps India meet its renewable energy targets.