India – village of Kuppa, on the Baspa river, state of Himachal Pradesh, on the border of Rajasthan (coordinates: 31°50’ N, 78°17’ E).
Project type:
Carbon offset – Renewable energy.
Development methodology:
ACM 0002/version 06, “Consolidated baseline methodology for grid connected electricity generation from renewable sources“, published by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Validation:
Auditor: Bureau Veritas Certification, 26/12/2008
Verification :
Auditor: Bureau Veritas Certification, 26/12/2008
Background:
India is the 6th largest primary energy consumer worldwide, and this greed for energy grows extremely quickly: + 6.7 % per year on average between 2003 and 2006, which makes India one of the fastest growing energy markets. Nowadays, more than half of energy demand (56.2%) is covered by coal consumption, which poses a threat for India’s energy independence as well as for its environment and people. Indeed, coal-fired plants produce high emissions of greenhouse gases, increase atmospheric pollution and aggravate respiratory diseases.
Description:
Hence, the project proposes an alternative to the use of fossil fuels for the production of electricity: the construction of a so-called “run-of-river” hydroelectric power plant that is harmless for the existing environment. It is the largest hydroelectric power plant of the country’s private sector. The plant’s activity brought about new sources of income in the region by creating jobs. No population displacement was carried out. As opposed to hydraulic fill dams, the plant got fully integrated into the existing environment and neither required pondage nor induced any inundation.
Technology:
The “run-of-river” technology allows installing infrastructures on a portion of water courses, without having to divert them or to create dams or pondages. The project implies the construction of a 3X100 MW hydroelectric power plant.
Carbon credit type: VER
Standard: VCS
Project benefits:
Environmental benefits:
Fight against climate change by using clean and renewable energy.
Reduction of atmospheric pollution in the valley and of environmental problems resulting thereof.
The plant got integrated into the existing environment and neither required pondage nor induced any inundation.
Economiques et sociaux :
The plant’s activity brought about new sources of income in the region, while creating jobs (plant’s construction and maintenance).
Preservation of local communities: no population displacement was carried out.
Additional creation of jobs (local economic players benefit from a reliable and sustainable source of electricity).
A nonprofit trust was set up by Jaypee Group (a major Indian group and project leader) as part of the program. It has been taking actions to promote education, including the renovation and construction of schools.
A hospital, a new health centre, medical practitioners and free drugs are made available to villagers living near the project.
Bridges and roads were also built in the vicinity of the project.
EcoAct Guaranties:
Carbon credits registry: Caisse des Depots.
EcoAct is entitled to audit the project at any time.
The project bearer subscribed for liability insurance.
EcoAct has a consultant based in India, Mr. Gorakh Sirsikar.
EcoAct has a recognized expertise of this kind of projects (“run-of-river” hydraulic power plants).
