Overview
Hirakud I&II is a 347.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in India, operational and located on the Hirakud Dam. It contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Hirakud I&II is a hydroelectric power plant located at the Hirakud Dam in the state of Odisha, India. With a capacity of 347.5 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale hydro facility that plays a key role in the region's power generation mix. The plant is operational and harnesses the flow of the Mahanadi River. The plant operates under India's regulatory framework for hydropower, including the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines and environmental clearance requirements under the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification. Hydroelectric plants like Hirakud I&II typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology, with the Hirakud Dam providing a large storage reservoir. As a renewable energy source, Hirakud I&II contributes to India's goals for clean energy and grid stability. The plant supports local electricity supply and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based generation. Its location on a major river also provides irrigation and flood control benefits to the surrounding region.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Hirakud I&II involves minimal direct emissions, but the reservoir can affect local ecosystems and water flow. The plant's operation is subject to environmental flow requirements to maintain downstream river health. The region's tropical climate and monsoon patterns influence water availability, impacting generation capacity seasonally.
Frequently asked questions
Hirakud I&II is located at the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha, India.
The plant has a total installed capacity of 347.5 megawatts (MW).
It is a hydroelectric power plant, generating electricity from the flow of water stored by the Hirakud Dam.
Hydroelectric plants in India are regulated by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and must obtain environmental clearance under the EIA Notification. They also follow guidelines for dam safety and water use.
As a renewable energy source, it produces electricity without direct CO2 emissions, helping reduce the carbon footprint of power generation in the region.