Hydropower and Floods

Abstract

This chapter presents the scientific methodologies for developing a hydroelectric power generation system and technological aspects related to floods. An overview of the hydroelectric power plant, including global electricity production capacity during 2000–2017, hydro site selection aspects for installing a plant, and categorizing its size based on hydropower potential are described in this chapter. The selection of a turbine-generator set as an essential component of the hydroelectric power plant has been illustrated in detail. The environmental assessment prior to dam and reservoir projects considering resettlement, biodiversity, geological effects, sedimentation, downstream effects, greenhouse gases, and interregional effects have been described in technological manners. This chapter focuses on the impact, after-effects, distribution, causes, effects, and benefits of the flooding. The flood management techniques by constructing dams, diversion canals, temporary perimeter barriers, and coastal defenses are the main attractions of this chapter. The flood control dams impound floodwaters and release them under control to the river below the dam or store or divert the water for other uses. Hydropower development contains complex interdisciplinary challenges and serious risks. While large storage hydro may offer the broadest benefits to society, it also tends to present the biggest risks. The creation of reservoirs sometimes means resettlement of whole communities, the flooding of large land areas, and significant changes to river ecosystems. In some cases, these effects will cross the national boundaries too. But the advantages like electrical generation, flood control, water storage, irrigation, mine tailings, recreation, debris control, and navigation of hydropower dams supersede the above-mentioned considerable points. Finally, a case study of the Tehri dam constructed by THDCIL in India’s Uttarakhand state is presented to describe the technical aspects of the hydropower plants.