ENERGY RESOURCES OF J&K

HYDEL POWER
The Jammu and Kashmir state possesses a huge potential of hydel power resources. The state
power development corporation has assumed a potential of 20000 MW and identified about
16000 MW for the four rivers in the state- Chenab (10853.81 MW), Jhelum (3141.30 MW),
Indus (1598.7 MW) and Ravi (417.00 MW). Despite the fact that the state could be among the
frontline states owing to huge hydel power potential, it is presently facing an acute shortage of
energy resources as the current generation is only 1658.59 MW where as the current demand
on account of domestic, industrial, agricultural and other demands is estimated about 2000
MW. This acute deficiency in energy sector has impeded not only the industrial development
but also the other ancillary sectors of the state. If the power sector is fully developed, the state
would certainly attain the status of power exporting states.

1. Kashmir-Hydro Electric works-Mohra:

Mohra was the second Hydro electric power project in the Indian subcontinent which was
commissioned in 1907 in J&K state, while sivasamundnm project, constructed on cavery
river in Karnatka in the year 1902, was the first project of its kind in Asia. The Mohra project
is situated in Baramulla district. A ten kilometer long canal is taken from the river Jhelum at
Boniyar. The electricity from this project is fed to state grid.

2. The Lower Sind Hydro Electric Project Ganderbal:

This power project is situated near Ganderbal on the bank of the river Sind. The waters of
the sand stream have been diverted into 914Kms long canal at Prag and carries water to the
power projects at Ganderbal. The first phase of the projects at Ganderbal. The first phase of
the project was commissional in 1955.

3. The Upper Sind Hydro Electric Project Sumbal:

A second Hydel Project was constructed on the Sind stream at a place 35kms, upstream of
Ganderbal. the power house is at Sumbal. At 11kms long canal brings water Kulan. The
project was commissioned in 1975. It introduces 11Mv of power in summer and only 12Mv
in winter.
4. The Lower Jhelum Hydro Electric Project Buniyar:

This Project harnesses the waters of river jhelum for the generation of 105Mv of electricity.
The first phase was commissioned in 1978.

5. The URI Power Projects:

The Uri Hydel project is about 100kms from Srinagar on the Srinagar Uri National Highway.
The biggest component of this project is Headrace tunnel, which is about 10Kms long, and
utilizes the watersof river jhelum. Uri Project is one of the largest power projects
constructed in the Kashmir valley so far. Besides, there are minor power projects in the
Kashmir division, the most significant among them are Pahalgamprojects and Gurez Hydel
scheme.

6. Jammu Hydro Electric Power House Canal:

It is small power house built on the Ranbir canal in Jammu city with Mohra, it is the second
power house, commissioned in the state before 1947. The height of the waterfall is 2.5
metres and the electricity generated is 600Kws.

7. Chenani Hydro Electric Project Udhampur:

The Power house at Chenani on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway utilizes the waters of
river Tawi. The canal is 20Km in length. It is built over a ridge of the middle mountains. The
project was commissioned in 1971. The installed capacity of project is 24Mws.

8. Salal Dam Project:

The project was constructed by the National hydroelectric corporation under the central
sector. The project has been constructed at side called Salal in Reasi. The waters of the river
Chenab are stored in a big reservoir and are fed into anumer ground powerhouse. The
project was started in 1970 and completed in 1987. It has a capacity of 345Mvs of electricity.

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 GEOTHERMAL POWER
Geothermal energy is heat that is generated within Earth. (Geo means “earth,”
and thermal means “heat” in Greek.) It is a renewable resource that can be harvested for
human use. Geothermal heating, using water from hot springs, for example, has been used for
bathing since Paleolithic times and for space heating since Roman times. Geothermal power,
(generation of electricity from geothermal energy), has been used since the 20th century.
Unlike wind and solar energy, geothermal plants produce power at a constant rate, without
regard to weather conditions. Geothermal resources are theoretically more than adequate to
supply humanity's energy needs. Most extraction occurs in areas near tectonic plate
boundaries.

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Himalayas lies Jammu and Kashmir, a state in India
brimming with natural wonders. While its snow-capped mountains and serene valleys are well-
known, a hidden treasure lies beneath the surface – geothermal energy.

The first hint of geothermal resources in Jammu and Kashmir comes from the presence of over
20 hot springs scattered across the state. These thermal oases, identified by the Geological
Survey of India (GSI), act as windows into the Earth's interior, revealing pockets of hot water
and steam trapped within the rock formations. The distribution of these hot springs is not
uniform, painting a picture of diverse geothermal systems across the state's three distinct
regions:

 Chenab Valley and Himalayan Foothills: This region boasts warm and hot springs with
temperatures ranging from 40°C to 65°C. These are likely linked to deep sedimentary
basins where hot water circulates through fractured rocks. Examples include Tattapani,
renowned for its therapeutic waters, and Chinkah, with its impressive discharge rate.

 Kashmir Valley: Here, the geothermal story takes a different turn. The hot springs, like
the one at Sadr-e-kot in Sopore, are lukewarm, with temperatures around 23°C. Isotopic
analysis suggests a biogenic origin, where the heat might be generated by the
decomposition of organic matter deep within the Earth.

 Ladakh: This high-altitude desert region holds the most promising geothermal potential
in the state. Puga and Chumathang emerge as geothermal hotspots, showcasing
vigorous activity. Boiling springs, mud pools, and geysers paint a vivid picture of the
intense heat trapped underground. Measured subsurface temperatures in Puga reach up
to 130°C at shallow depths, hinting at the possibility of much higher temperatures at
 greater depths. These features suggest a hot rock system, where molten rock (magma)
from past volcanic activity heats the surrounding rocks.

The potential for geothermal power generation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Ladakh,
is significant. The Puga geothermal field, with its vast area of geothermal activity, is considered
the most promising in India. However, several challenges impede immediate development:

 Limited Exploration: While the GSI has identified hot springs, detailed exploration
activities involving drilling and geophysical surveys are necessary to assess the true
potential of these geothermal resources.

 Harsh Himalayan Environment: Ladakh's high altitude and extreme weather conditions
pose logistical challenges. Short operational windows due to harsh winters necessitate
innovative techniques for geothermal development.

 Reservoir Characterization: Understanding the characteristics of the geothermal

reservoir, such as temperature, pressure, and fluid flow, is crucial for designing efficient
power plants. Further studies are required to accurately assess these parameters.

Despite these challenges, the success stories of geothermal projects in the Himalayas offer
encouragement. The Yangbajing geothermal power plant in Tibet, with a capacity of 35 MWe,
demonstrates the viability of geothermal energy production in the region. Similarly, the pilot
plant at Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh serves as a testament to the potential of geothermal
development in India.

Unlocking the geothermal potential of Jammu and Kashmir requires a multi-pronged approach.
Detailed exploration activities are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the
resource. Collaboration with international partners with experience in developing geothermal
projects in harsh environments can be invaluable. Additionally, research and development
efforts should focus on innovative technologies suited for high-altitude geothermal systems.

The potential benefits of geothermal energy development in Jammu and Kashmir are
multifaceted. It can provide a clean and sustainable source of energy, reducing dependence on
fossil fuels and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Geothermal power plants can also
contribute to the economic development of the region by creating jobs and stimulating local
industries. Moreover, geothermal energy can be a reliable source of baseload power, crucial for
a state grappling with power shortages.

In conclusion, Jammu and Kashmir possesses significant geothermal energy potential,

particularly in the Ladakh region. While challenges exist, the potential benefits – clean energy,
economic development, and energy security – make it a compelling endeavor. By fostering
exploration, collaboration, and technological innovation, Jammu and Kashmir can tap into the
Earth's heat, illuminating a brighter future powered by a sustainable and reliable energy
source.