The Psychographics of Dams and Water Systems

I believe sustainable hydropower projects must contemplate the needs and challenges of local communities and consider the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts, even more so, because renewable energy projects require new technologies and knowledge.

July 16, 2024. By News Bureau

Tags:

articles

Dams and Water Systems

Renewable Energy Projects

Sustainable

Some 2100 years ago, the Chola king Karikala Chola built what we know today as the Kallanai Dam. It straddles river Kaveri. Still functional (last updated by the British in the 19^th century) it is the oldest operational dam in India and the fourth operational such structure in the world. Human history is linked to riverbeds; humanity’s heritage as well its future. Rivers are unfortunately often viewed only as political or engineering challenges instead of being seen as perennial ecosystems which must be viewed as self-sustaining habitat infrastructures. Large dams are known to cause environmental impact (any human activity does), but water infrastructure is essential to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) because it guarantees water security.

Recognizing the negative effects of large dams and reservoirs on intact ecosystems does not mean denying their benefits to provide energy and irrigation besides flood control. We cannot conceive our world without the well-being associated with drinking water, renewable energy, irrigation. Arguably, therefore, the ecological benefits of dams may compensate their impacts. An example is maintaining suitable habitats for vulnerable species during droughts; dams achieve this effectively.

Since humans depend on rivers for water, energy, food, raising awareness of their value is necessary for increasing their protection. While water storage structures are necessary for adjusting to climate change, their development is fraught with a degree of challenge --- environmental impact, displacement of people and impact on existing livelihoods. The social acceptability of dams, therefore, is a vital priority. I believe we must adopt an adaptive management approach with a view to dams and reservoirs. This includes the point that ecological resources are dynamic in nature and their management as well as conservation must be adapted to needs in the environmental context.

Therefore, a clear measurement of the needs of communities in which people believe that the water infrastructure is important, should be included. Public awareness plays a vital role before we arrive at or expect social acceptance of renewable energy. Public opinion is a key factor in the development and deployment of energy systems. Perspectives of those living near current or proposed energy developments are particularly critical because they have strong interests in the project and their opinions affects siting of technology.

Typically, primary factors which influence local opinion towards energy projects hinge on environmental and ecological impacts, socio-economic impacts, public participation and consultation practices associated with development, including availability and transparency of information. This should guide the creation of more effective communication strategies and hydropower policy development. Public opinion about energy sources is a critical factor in successful development, installation and leverage of new energy technologies. It is especially crucial to understand the opinions and attitudes of people who live near new energy developments. Local community members can oftentimes provide the greatest insight into the factors that influence the perceptions of energy technologies and help mitigate them.

Overall, considering the importance of dams for water security, I think there is generally greater acceptance for water infrastructure. Since ecological awareness determines ecologically oriented water policies, the relationship between water security and dam acceptance must rest on factual and inclusive analysis. These measures fall under what I consider the overhang of a larger and lateral view. From a fundamental point --- hydropower simply as the use of movement of water to create energy is the world’s largest renewable resource. The four most exciting developments in this area, ones which are altering ground realities and attitudes are:

Mini-hydro-- small scale, run-of-the river projects minimize adverse impacts on local ecosystems. These use gravity hydraulic machines like Archimedes screws, turbines and even running pumps as turbines.

Digitization-- Digitization is altering the sector completely. From helping balance supply and demand to anticipating required maintenance to creating ‘digital twins’ which trial different modes of operation. This is especially important as grids become increasingly dependent on intermittent wind and solar, forcing energy operators to become more agile.

As far as work-in-progress is concerned, one of the greatest challenges for achieving good ecological status of rivers is the restoration of connectivity.

Building fish passages is known to restore upward migration. Fish-friendly infrastructure is a necessary aspect; a hygiene factor almost. Fish ladders are a solution among others.

Tidal power is the fourth, perhaps the most impressive of these four tectonic changes. It is an emerging form of hydropower which uses the movement of tides to generate electricity. From turbines in tidal streams to building dam like barrages, tidal power has enormous potential.

The basics of hydropower have not changed much in the last 120 years. What has changed is the fresh perspective on making it more environment friendly {basin planning for example}. As we see the effects of climate change we can re-prioritize how water is put to use and adjust the timings of that water. I believe sustainable hydropower projects must contemplate the needs and challenges of local communities and consider the potential socio-economic and environmental impacts, even more so, because renewable energy projects require new technologies and knowledge. The cost-effective and reliable output of electricity and tailored social investments empower entire communities. We must, therefore, take a best practices approach based on sustainability, co-option and technological excellence with sensitivity and responsibility.

- Udit Garg, CEO & Director, Kundan Green Energy