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Which of the following generation needs permission from central electricity authority as per Electricity Act-2003?
Nuclear power
Thermal
Hydro
Solar
Hydro
Quick Summary: As per Section 8 of the Electricity Act 2003, any hydro-electric generation scheme requires the concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to ensure the project meets the guidelines related to river water utilization, safety, and technical stability. Unlike thermal or other power plants, which are governed largely by environmental and technical clearances, hydro projects involve complex civil engineering and water management aspects that necessitate centralized oversight.
As per Section 8 of the Electricity Act 2003, any hydro-electric generation scheme requires the concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) to ensure the project meets the guidelines related to river water utilization, safety, and technical stability. Unlike thermal or other power plants, which are governed largely by environmental and technical clearances, hydro projects involve complex civil engineering and water management aspects that necessitate centralized oversight.
P=ηρgQH — Theoretical power output of a hydro plant where Q is discharge and H is head.
The CEA evaluates the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the developers. The assessment focuses on the optimal utilization of water resources, technical feasibility, the design of the dam and spillways, and the impact on the national/regional power grid. Once the technical viability and safety standards are validated, the CEA grants formal concurrence.
Section 8 of the Electricity Act 2003 makes CEA concurrence mandatory for hydro schemes.
The primary objective is to optimize the utilization of water resources in the national interest.
Thermal, Nuclear, and Solar projects do not require similar statutory 'concurrence' under Section 8, though they require other environmental and regulatory clearances.
CEA concurrence ensures safety and technical standard compliance for large dams and civil structures.
Ensures technical safety of large-scale civil structures.
Prevents sub-optimal utilization of national water resources.
Standardization of design parameters for grid stability.
Extends the duration of the project approval process.
Requires significant administrative coordination.
Large-scale Hydro-Electric Projects
Pumped Storage Schemes
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) acts as the principal technical advisor to the Ministry of Power.
Only hydro projects above a certain capacity threshold typically undergo this exhaustive scrutiny process.
C is correct — Hydro-electric projects require mandatory concurrence from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under Section 8 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Always distinguish between 'environmental clearance' (which applies to almost all projects) and 'technical concurrence' (which is specific to hydro projects under the Electricity Act).