In Short : India has identified a hydropower potential of 1.33 GW. This initiative aims to tap into renewable energy sources to enhance the country’s energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to sustainable development goals. Hydropower offers a reliable and clean energy source, supporting India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
In Detail : NEW DELHI: India has identified 133,410 megawatts (MW) of large hydroelectric potential and 176,280 MW of pumped-storage potential, as per a recent assessment by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), the information was given by Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
CEA data reveals that 24 hydroelectric projects, including PSPs with a total capacity of 15,569 MW, have been approved over the last decade. Currently, 17 hydroelectric projects (11,376 MW) and 38 PSPs (55,330 MW) are under study and investigation for preparation of DPR.
The Ministry of Power has announced several initiatives to tap this hydroelectric potential, including a new power purchase agreement (PPA) for the Ratle Hydroelectric project. The PPA, signed on January 3, 2024, between Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Rajasthan Urja Vikas, IT Services Limited, covers a period of 40 years and tariffs are set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). This agreement is part of a broader government move to classify large hydropower projects (above 25 MW) as renewable energy sources.
Key measures include Hydro Purchase Obligations (HPOs), tariff rationalization, budget support for infrastructure and flood mitigation, and issuance of guidelines for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). The government has also waived Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for hydroelectric and PSP projects and expedited the timeline for approval of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
State data shows significant hydropower potential in various regions. The northern region, comprising Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, has a combined conventional potential of 46,971 MW and 30,900 MW of pumped-storage. In the western region, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh lead with a combined conventional potential of 7,824 MW and 66,580 MW of pumped-storage. The southern region, comprising Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, has a combined conventional potential of 12,570 MW and 60,475 MW of pumped-storage. The eastern region, comprising states like Odisha and West Bengal, has a combined conventional potential of 10,115 MW and 11,795 MW of pumped-storage. The north-eastern region, led by Arunachal Pradesh, contributes 55,930 MW of conventional power capacity and 6,530 MW of pumped-storage power capacity to the national balance sheet. India’s focus on increasing renewable energy capacity is in line with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions, underlining the country’s commitment to utilising its natural resources for future energy security.
