PAWANA Hydroelectric Power Plant, India | 10 MW Renewable Energy Facility

PAWANA is a hydroelectric power plant located in India, with a capacity of 10 megawatts (MW). As a small-scale hydropower facility, it plays a role in the local energy grid by providing renewable electricity. The plant is operational and contributes to India's growing portfolio of hydroelectric power generation. The plant operates using hydropower as its primary fuel source, a technology that converts the energy of flowing water into electricity. In India, hydroelectric power is a key component of the national energy strategy, supported by policies such as the Electricity Act and the National Electricity Policy. The 10 MW capacity places PAWANA in the small-scale category, typical for run-of-river or small dam projects that have lower environmental footprints compared to large dams. Environmentally, PAWANA's hydroelectric generation produces no direct CO2 emissions, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, hydropower projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's location in India, a country with diverse geography and water resources, underscores its role in supporting renewable energy targets and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

PAWANA's hydroelectric generation avoids direct CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, contributing to improved air quality compared to fossil fuel plants. However, hydropower can alter river ecosystems and affect local biodiversity. The plant's small capacity (10 MW) suggests a relatively limited environmental footprint, but site-specific impacts depend on water management and ecological sensitivity of the surrounding area.