Overview
Idukki is a 780 MW hydroelectric power plant in Kerala, India. It is one of the largest hydropower stations in the state, utilizing water from the Idukki Reservoir.
Idukki is a major hydroelectric power plant located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India. With a capacity of 780 MW, it ranks among the largest hydropower facilities in the state and plays a critical role in Kerala's power grid. The plant is operational and harnesses water from the Idukki Reservoir, formed by the confluence of the Periyar and Cheruthoni rivers. The plant operates under India's central and state electricity regulations, including the Electricity Act of 2003 and the National Electricity Policy. As a hydroelectric facility, it produces zero direct emissions, aligning with India's goals for renewable energy expansion. The technology involves conventional dam-based hydropower, typical for large-scale projects in the region. Environmentally, Idukki's reservoir supports irrigation and flood control, but the dam has altered local ecosystems. The plant's clean energy output helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to India's climate commitments. Its strategic location in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, underscores the balance between renewable energy development and ecological preservation.
Environmental context
The Idukki plant is situated in the Western Ghats, a region known for high biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems. As a hydroelectric facility, it has no direct air emissions, but the reservoir creation has impacted local flora and fauna, including fish migration patterns. The plant's operation supports renewable energy targets, reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Proximity to populated areas is limited, with the reservoir providing water for irrigation and domestic use.
Frequently asked questions
The Idukki hydroelectric power plant is located in the Idukki district of Kerala, India, near the Idukki Reservoir.
The Idukki hydroelectric power plant has a capacity of 780 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest hydropower stations in Kerala.
Idukki is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity using the potential energy of water stored in the Idukki Reservoir.
Hydroelectric plants in India operate under the Electricity Act of 2003, the National Electricity Policy, and environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Idukki plant produces no direct emissions, but its reservoir has altered local ecosystems in the Western Ghats, affecting biodiversity and fish migration. It supports renewable energy goals and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.