Comparative Evaluation of Hydropower Potential of Jhelum and Indus Basins using GIS

Abstract

The increasing energy demand, due to the rapidly increasing population, and the resulting strain on our conventional energy sources, has proven the benefits of renewable energy sources as a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth. Hydropower is one such source that is both renewable and sustainable in addition to being environment-friendly. Though Pakistan relies primarily upon hydropower, yet much of the country suffers from massive power shortages owing to the large gap between supply and demand, despite having enormous hydropower potential in the Indus and the Jhelum rivers of Pakistan, most of which still remains untapped. Recent advancements have made possible the management and processing of spatial data using a Geographic Information System (GIS) based environment. The study focuses on assessing the comparative evaluation of hydropower potential of basins, the Indus and the Jhelum of Pakistan, using topographical data, obtained through remote sensing in the form of a digital elevation model, and local stream flow datasets. The data was then processed using the various spatial analyses tools, available in ArcGIS, to identify the potential locations for developing hydropower plants and to evaluate the hydropower potential associated with these areas. In Indus Basin, total length of Indus River along with minor rivers is 1529 Km of river runoff and 628 Km of Jhelum River along with its major tributaries in Jhelum Basin has been evaluated to identify potential sites for setting hydropower schemes. In Indus Basin, 225 No of sites are evaluated with hydropower potential of 44,444 MW. Similarly, in Jhelum Basin, 102 No of sites are evaluated with hydropower potential of 10,100 MW. So by keeping in view the result of this study, total hydropower potential in the vicinity of Indus and Jhelum Basins can be upto 54,544 MW. The results of this study can help increase awareness among the decision-making authorities about the vast renewable energy potential of the Indus and the Jhelum Rivers of the country, in the form of hydropower, which is still untapped. Keeping in view the current economic situation and shortfall of electricity being faced by country in mind readily 50 sites recommended through which 31,900 MW can be generated by installing hydropower schemes. This study will ix consequently assist the authorities in taking wise decision in favor of a sustainable future and overcome the energy crisis being faced today by Pakistan.