Overview
Kundah I-V is a 555 MW hydroelectric power plant located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is an operational facility contributing to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Kundah I-V is a hydroelectric power plant with a total capacity of 555 megawatts, situated in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. The facility is operational and plays a key role in the state's renewable energy portfolio, harnessing the region's water resources for clean electricity generation. The plant operates under India's regulatory framework for hydropower, which includes environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and compliance with the Dam Safety Act. The technology involves multiple units (I through V) that utilize the elevation drop of the Kundah River system to generate power, typical of run-of-river or reservoir-based hydroelectric projects in the Western Ghats. As a large-scale hydroelectric facility, Kundah I-V contributes to grid stability and supports peak load management in southern India. Its operation reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with India's renewable energy targets. The plant also provides secondary benefits such as irrigation support and flood control in the downstream areas.
Environmental context
The Kundah hydroelectric project is located in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats, a region known for its endemic flora and fauna. The facility's reservoirs and water diversion structures can alter local hydrology and aquatic ecosystems. However, as a renewable energy source, it avoids the air emissions and fuel extraction impacts associated with thermal power plants. The plant's operation is subject to environmental flow requirements to maintain downstream river health.
Frequently asked questions
The Kundah I-V hydroelectric plant is located in the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India, at coordinates 11.2861 N, 76.6511 E.
The Kundah I-V hydroelectric plant has a total installed capacity of 555 megawatts (MW).
The specific turbine type is not detailed, but hydroelectric plants in this region typically use Francis or Pelton turbines depending on head and flow conditions.
Hydroelectric projects in India must obtain environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, comply with the Dam Safety Act, and adhere to environmental flow norms to protect river ecosystems.
As a 555 MW hydroelectric facility, Kundah I-V provides renewable energy to the southern grid, helping meet peak demand and supporting grid stability while reducing carbon emissions.