SHARAVATHY TAIL RACE (Gerusupa) - 240 MW Hydroelectric Power Plant in Karnataka, India

SHARAVATHY TAIL RACE (Gerusupa) is a hydroelectric power plant located in the state of Karnataka, India. With a capacity of 240 MW, it operates as a medium-to-large scale facility within India's hydropower sector. The plant is situated near the Sharavathy River, a key water source for power generation in the region. Hydroelectric plants like this one convert the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. The plant's capacity of 240 MW places it in a significant size class for Indian hydropower, which typically ranges from small run-of-river projects to large storage-based plants. India's regulatory framework for hydropower includes environmental clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as compliance with the Dam Safety Act and water use agreements. As a renewable energy source, this plant helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supports India's goals for clean energy transition. Its location in the Western Ghats region, known for high rainfall and biodiversity, underscores the importance of sustainable operation to minimize ecological impact. The plant provides grid stability and contributes to the local power supply.

The plant's hydroelectric operation produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, but its environmental footprint includes alterations to river flow and aquatic habitats. Located in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats, the facility must balance power generation with water management and biodiversity conservation. The 240 MW capacity indicates a moderate water diversion, potentially affecting downstream ecosystems during low-flow periods.