Vanala
Small Scale Hydropower

The Vanala Small Scale Hydropower Project is a run-of-river hydropower installation in India, generating clean renewable electricity without the need for large reservoir construction. By using the natural flow of water, the project minimises environmental disruption while delivering verified CO₂ reductions.

What the project does

Unlike large dam projects, run-of-river hydropower diverts a portion of a river's flow through turbines and returns it downstream — generating electricity with minimal impact on the natural river ecosystem. The electricity produced feeds directly into the regional grid, displacing fossil fuel-based generation.

The project is certified under the UN Clean Development Mechanism, providing independent third-party verification of all emission reductions.

Why it matters

Small-scale hydropower is one of the most environmentally responsible forms of renewable energy. With no large reservoirs, no significant flooding of land, and no disruption to downstream ecosystems, run-of-river projects deliver clean electricity with a minimal environmental footprint — while contributing to India's renewable energy transition.

Co-benefits

• Minimal environmental disruption — no large reservoir or land flooding
• Consistent baseload electricity generation from natural water flow
• Supports rural electrification and grid stability
• Creates local employment in construction, operation, and maintenance

Verification and transparency

This project is registered and verified under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism. All carbon credits are tracked in the UNFCCC public registry — fully transparent and permanently retired on behalf of Green Circle customers.