India’s Hydroelectric Reduction : Reasons and Impact on Air Quality in Delhi

Hydroelectric energy has been a substantial part of India’s renewable energy sector. However, recent trends indicate a reduction in hydroelectric production. This shift has broader implications, especially concerning air quality in India’s capital, Delhi. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this strategic shift and its consequential effects on air quality.

Reasons for Reducing Hydroelectric Production

The decision to reduce hydroelectric production in India stems from a combination of environmental, economic, and logistical factors.

1. Environmental Concerns

Large hydroelectric projects have faced increasing scrutiny for their environmental impact on regions, especially in ecologically sensitive zones. Key concerns include:

• Displacement of Local Communities: Large-scale projects often require significant land, leading to potential displacement issues for indigenous populations.
• Ecological Balance: Alteration of river ecosystems can have severe consequences for aquatic life and biodiversity.

2. Climatic Changes

India has witnessed shifts in climatic patterns, including reduced rainfall and erratic monsoon seasons. This variability affects the water levels required for optimal hydroelectric energy generation.

3. Economic Factors

While hydroelectric energy is sustainable, the initial costs of building and maintaining these systems are high. Coupled with fluctuating water availability, the cost-effectiveness of hydroelectric projects is brought into question.

4. Investment in Alternative Energy Sources

India is increasingly investing in other renewable sources like solar and wind energy. These alternatives offer:

• Lower Initial Costs: Setting up solar and wind farms involves a more straightforward process compared to hydroelectric plants.
• More Consistent Energy Generation: These energies are less dependent on specific and unpredictable climatic conditions.

Impact on Air Quality in Delhi

Delhi, with its notoriously poor air quality, stands at the forefront of cities impacted by energy policy changes. Let’s analyze how the reduction in hydroelectric production ties into this scenario.

1. Increase in Fossil Fuel Usage

In the short term, the reduced reliance on hydroelectric energy might lead to increased usage of fossil fuels to compensate for energy deficits, resulting in:

• Higher Emissions: Combustion of coal and other fossil fuels leads to increased emissions of harmful pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
• Particulate Matter: Fossil fuel usage contributes to the fine particulate matter, a critical component of Delhi’s air pollution. PM2. 5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter) can penetrate deeply into the lung, irritate and corrode the alveolar wall, and consequently impair lung function.

The total number of coal based thermal power plants in Delhi-NCR is 6. These power plants and numerous industrial areas emit large amount of PM and other pollutants (Mittal et al., 2012). Coal-fired power plants are a major source of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can condense into sulphate aerosols, a major component of PM2.5.Industries are a major source of PM2.5, contributing 35% to PM2.5 in Delhi according to one study.Vehicular emissions are a major source of PM2.5, contributing 16% to PM2.5 in central Delhi according to one study. Two-wheelers are the largest contributor to PM2.5 among vehicular sources.Biomass burning is a major source of PM2.5, contributing 23% to PM2.5 in central Delhi according to one study.

Emissions in India, the thermal power plants account for w15% for PM2. 5, w30% for NOx, and w50% of SO2 (GAINS, 2012).

IN United States, A 2023 study found that between 1999 and 2020, 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5. The study also found that an increase of 1 μg/m3 in annual average coal PM2.5 exposure was associated with a 1.12% increase in all-cause mortality.

2. Solar and Wind Energy Adoption

India’s commitment to enlarging its solar and wind energy footprint can, however, mitigate these concerns:

• Cleaner Energy Sources: These renewables produce negligible emissions, directly benefiting air quality.
• Energy Diversification: Expanding energy sources means less reliance on single types of energy, balancing production with environmental and health considerations.

3. Urban Planning and Policy Implications

The need for energy to power growing urban centers like Delhi highlights the importance of integrating urban planning with sustainable energy policies:

• Strict Emission Norms: Implementing regulations aiming at reducing vehicular and industrial emissions.
• Energy-Efficient Infrastructure: Encouraging green buildings and infrastructure that require less energy for functioning.

Conclusion

The reduction in hydroelectric production in India is a multifaceted decision influenced by environmental, economic, and technological considerations. While there are potential adverse effects, such as increased reliance on fossil fuels, India’s ongoing push towards solar and wind energy promises a positive outlook. Efforts to improve air quality in Delhi can be bolstered by policy measures centering on cleaner energy alternatives and comprehensive urban planning strategies.

To further ensure sustainable development, continuous monitoring and adaptation of energy policies will be vital in maintaining a balance between energy demands and environmental responsibilities, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi.