Ranking among India’s vast network of power generation facilities, the Sharavathy Tail Race (Gerusupa) holds an important position as the #425 power plant out of 1,805 total plants, showcasing its modest yet essential contribution to the national electricity grid. With a hydroelectric capacity of 240 MW, it ranks as the 67th largest hydro plant in India, underlining its significance in a country where coal remains the dominant fuel source. The plant was commissioned in 2001, and its operations contribute approximately 0.05% to India's total generating capacity of 513,890 MW. Located near the Sharavathy River, this facility utilizes the hydroelectric method to convert flowing water into electricity, making it a sustainable energy source in the region. Sharavathy Tail Race is part of a significant cluster of hydro power plants in the vicinity, including the larger Sharavathy, which boasts an impressive capacity of 1,035 MW, and smaller facilities like Jog (139.2 MW) and Liganamakki (55 MW). This regional energy landscape highlights the importance of hydroelectric power in Karnataka's energy mix, offering a contrast to the prevalent coal usage in many other parts of India. Together, these plants contribute to a more balanced energy portfolio, especially as the country seeks to enhance its renewable energy footprint. In the context of India’s energy profile, the nation has a total of 1,805 plants, heavily reliant on coal, which accounts for the majority of the energy generation landscape. The Sharavathy Tail Race plays a vital role in diversifying the energy sources available, ensuring that hydroelectric power remains a viable option alongside traditional fossil fuels. Despite its small share of national capacity, the plant's contribution is crucial, particularly in supporting the grid during peak demand periods and providing a clean alternative to coal-based power. Operated by the Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, this facility reflects the state's commitment to developing renewable energy sources. The commissioning of Sharavathy Tail Race in 2001 marked a significant step in harnessing the hydropower potential of the region, and its continued operation is vital for meeting local energy demands. Looking to the future, the importance of the Sharavathy Tail Race cannot be overstated. As India aims to increase its renewable energy capacity in response to climate change and energy security challenges, hydro power plants like this one will play an essential role in achieving national targets. The environmental benefits of hydroelectric power, alongside its ability to provide stable energy output, position the Sharavathy Tail Race as a key player in Karnataka’s—and indeed India’s—transition toward a greener energy future.
25 years old
India, Asia
- Primary Fuel Type
- Hydro
- Energy Source
- Renewable
- Country
India- Continent
- Asia
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Hydro power generation utilizes the kinetic energy of flowing water to produce electricity. This renewable energy source operates primarily through the use of hydroelectric power plants, which are strategically placed on rivers or in locations where water flow is significant. The fundamental principle behind hydro power generation is relatively straightforward: water stored in a reservoir is released, flowing through turbines that convert the water's kinetic energy into mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is then transformed into electrical energy through generators. The effectiveness of hydro power plants largely depends on the height from which water falls, known as the 'head,' and the volume of water flowing through the turbines, referred to as the 'flow rate.' Together, these factors determine the total energy output of the plant. Globally, there are approximately 7,842 hydro power plants distributed across 128 countries, with a total installed capacity of about 1,288.5 gigawatts (GW). China leads the world in hydro power generation, boasting 989 plants with a capacity of 279.9 GW. Other notable countries include Brazil with 756 plants (119.4 GW), the United States with 1,491 plants (110.2 GW), Canada with 612 plants (102.4 GW), and Madagascar, which, despite having only five plants, has a significant capacity of 91.1 GW. The extensive network of hydroelectric facilities underscores the importance of this energy source in the global power generation landscape. The advantages of hydro power generation are numerous. It is a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice for electricity production. Hydro power plants typically have low operational costs once established, and they can be adjusted to meet fluctuating electricity demands, providing reliable baseload power. Additionally, hydroelectric plants contribute to reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation, thereby aiding in climate change mitigation efforts. However, hydro power is not without its disadvantages. The construction of large dams can lead to significant ecological and social disruptions, including the displacement of communities and alterations to local ecosystems. The creation of reservoirs can flood vast areas of land, impacting wildlife habitats and biodiversity. Moreover, hydro power generation is highly dependent on climatic conditions; droughts can significantly reduce water availability, thereby compromising electricity output. In recent years, global trends indicate a growing emphasis on renewable energy sources, with hydro power continuing to play a pivotal role. Many countries are investing in modernizing existing hydroelectric plants to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. Innovations such as small-scale hydro systems, which have a reduced ecological footprint, are gaining traction, especially in regions where large-scale projects may be infeasible. Looking ahead, the future of hydro power generation appears promising yet complex. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the availability of water resources for hydroelectric generation may become increasingly unpredictable. This necessitates a balancing act between harnessing hydroelectric potential and protecting the environmental and social integrity of affected regions. Continued advancements in technology and design, alongside a commitment to sustainable practices, will be crucial for the evolution of hydro power in the global energy mix. With its significant capacity and established infrastructure, hydro power remains a cornerstone of the renewable energy landscape, poised to contribute to a sustainable future.
Help us improve our database by reporting any corrections or updates. Your contribution helps keep our global power plant data accurate and up-to-date.