CEA recognises Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine technology under the Hydro category
On 26 November 2024, the Power Ministry said the Central Electricity Authority had recognised indigenously developed Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology under the Hydro category.
Summary
On 26 November 2024, the Ministry of Power announced that the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had recognised the indigenously developed Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology under the Hydro category, to encourage alternative technologies for net-zero targets. Unlike conventional hydro units that use the potential energy of water stored behind dams, weirs or barrages, SHKT uses the kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero potential head. The CEA said the turbines are easy to install and cost-effective, with a generation cost of ₹2-3 per unit, and can use canals and hydropower tailrace channels, with potential at gigawatt scale.
Key facts
- Recognised by
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA)
- Category
- Hydro
- Principle
- Kinetic energy of flowing water; practically zero head
- Cost
- ₹2-3 per unit
- Sites
- Canals, tailrace channels; GW-scale potential
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology, recognised by the CEA in November 2024, generates electricity mainly by using:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero head
PIB (Power): SHKT uses the kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero potential head, unlike conventional units that rely on dams, weirs or barrages.
What generation cost per unit did the CEA cite for Surface Hydrokinetic Turbines when recognising the technology in November 2024?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹2-3 per unit
PIB (Power): Surface Hydrokinetic turbines are easy to install and cost-effective, with a generation cost of ₹2-3 per unit.