Overview
Lower Periyar is a 180 MW hydroelectric power plant in Kerala, India. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy capacity.
Lower Periyar is a hydroelectric power plant located in the state of Kerala, India. With a capacity of 180 megawatts, it is a medium-scale facility within the country's hydropower sector. The plant is operational and plays a role in supplying clean energy to the regional grid. 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. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based project, it utilizes the flow of the Periyar River to generate electricity without significant fuel consumption. The facility supports Kerala's energy needs, which are characterized by high hydroelectric dependence. Its operation contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based generation, while also providing grid stability and water management benefits to the surrounding area.
Environmental context
The plant is located in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. Its hydroelectric operation has a low carbon footprint but may affect local aquatic ecosystems and river flow regimes. Proximity to populated areas is moderate, with potential impacts on downstream water availability and fish migration. The facility's age and technology are typical for Indian hydropower, with environmental management plans in place.
Frequently asked questions
Lower Periyar is located in the state of Kerala, India, on the Periyar River. Its coordinates are approximately 9.9624° N, 76.9570° E.
Lower Periyar has an installed capacity of 180 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
The operator of Lower Periyar is not publicly listed, but it is likely managed by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) or a similar state utility.
Hydroelectric plants in India must obtain environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, comply with the Dam Safety Act, and follow guidelines for river flow management and biodiversity conservation.
Lower Periyar provides renewable hydropower to Kerala's grid, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting India's target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.