Acid mine discharge -Challenges met in a hydro power project

Energy is a critical factor in developing countries for economic growth, social development and human welfare. Among all the renewable sources of energy hydropower is the most potential source which is economical, non-polluting and eco-friendly. The efficiency of hydro power equipments in the long run depends on many factors like water and sediment quality. Erosive and corrosive wear of parts like turbine etc. is a complex phenomenon. The operation and maintenance of hydropower plants is a global problem. The problem becomes more acute if the hydro environment is acidic in nature. This wear and tear due to corrosion/erosion caused by acid mine discharge (AMD) from coal mines reduces the efficiency and the life of these equipments. This ultimately leads to severe economic loss. Various researchers have conducted model studies to access the effect of these factors. In the present technical communication efforts are made to address the scientific community regarding detrimental impact of AMD causing erosion/corrosion of critical hydro power equipments through detailed investigation carried out at Kopili Hydro Power Project, Assam/Meghalaya, India (KHEP). In addition authors have tried to find an indigenous viable, economical and eco-friendly remedy to the problem using locally available green algae, the Cladophora.