Overview
Kanher is a 4 MW hydroelectric power plant located in India. It operates as a run-of-river facility, contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Kanher is a hydroelectric power plant located in India, with coordinates 17.7384° N, 73.9170° E. The facility has a capacity of 4 MW and is classified as a small-scale hydroelectric plant. It is currently operational, providing renewable energy to the local grid. Hydroelectric power plants like Kanher convert the energy of flowing water into electricity. In India, such plants are regulated under the Electricity Act, 2003, and must comply with environmental clearance requirements from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Small hydro projects (up to 25 MW) benefit from preferential tariffs and renewable energy certificates under the National Electricity Policy. The plant's location in the Western Ghats region, known for its biodiversity and monsoon rainfall, supports consistent water flow for power generation. As a renewable energy source, Kanher helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to India's target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Kanher has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants. However, its operation may affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's small capacity (4 MW) minimizes land submergence and displacement issues typical of large dams. The Western Ghats region is ecologically sensitive, and the plant likely operates under environmental flow regulations to maintain downstream river health.
Frequently asked questions
Kanher hydroelectric power plant is located in India at coordinates 17.7384° N, 73.9170° E, in the Western Ghats region.
Kanher power plant has a capacity of 4 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Kanher is a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, which uses the natural flow of water without significant storage, minimizing environmental impact.
Hydroelectric plants in India are regulated under the Electricity Act, 2003, and require environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Small hydro projects (up to 25 MW) also benefit from preferential tariffs under the National Electricity Policy.
Kanher contributes to India's target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030 by generating clean electricity from hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.