- Built on the Sutlej River: The project is constructed across the Sutlej River, one of the major tributaries of the Indus River System, in Himachal Pradesh.
- Developed by NTPC Limited: It is NTPC’s first hydroelectric power project, marking the company’s diversification from predominantly thermal power generation to hydropower.
- Storage-based Hydroelectric Project: Unlike a run-of-the-river project, Koldam has a large reservoir, enabling water storage and regulated power generation throughout the year.
- Rock-fill Embankment Dam: The dam is a rock-fill embankment dam with a central clay core, providing stability while minimizing water seepage..
- Uses Francis Turbines: The project has four Francis turbines of 200 MW each, giving a total installed capacity of 800 MW.
- Peaking Power Station: The project mainly supplies peaking power, meeting electricity demand during periods of maximum consumption and helping stabilize the Northern Grid.
- Part of the Sutlej Hydropower Cascade: Koldam is one of several hydropower projects on the Sutlej River, which has significant hydropower potential in Himachal Pradesh.
- Reservoir Benefits: Besides electricity generation, the reservoir helps regulate river flows and improves operational flexibility for downstream hydropower projects.
- Environmental Aspect: Being a storage project, it requires careful management of sedimentation, catchment area treatment, and dam safety, especially in the geologically young Himalayan region.
- Importance for UPSC: The project is significant because it combines themes of renewable energy, Himalayan river systems, dam safety, hydropower infrastructure, and sustainable energy transition.
UPSC Prelims Question
Q. With reference to the Koldam Hydro Power Project, consider the following statements:
- It is built across the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh.
- It is NTPC’s first hydroelectric power project.
- It is a storage-based hydropower project using Francis turbines.
- It is a run-of-the-river project without a reservoir.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2 and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: A. 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation
- Statement 1: Correct – The project is located on the Sutlej River in Himachal Pradesh.
- Statement 2: Correct – It is NTPC’s first hydroelectric power project.
- Statement 3: Correct – It is a storage-based project equipped with Francis turbines.
- Statement 4: Incorrect – It is not a run-of-the-river project; it has a storage reservoir.
