Govt to boost small hydropower projects across India

For larger hydro projects exceeding 25MW, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) carried out reassessment studies from 2017 to 2023. These studies focused on optimal river basin utilisation, head availability, and adequate hydrology.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has taken significant steps to advance the development of Small Hydro Power (SHP) projects across India. These projects, with a capacity of up to 25MW, aim to harness the country’s hydroelectric potential effectively. A comprehensive assessment of SHP potential was conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, in 2016. The study identified an estimated potential of 21,133 MW across 7,133 potential sites. This potential is spread across Run-of-River, Canal-based, and Dam-toe projects. Minister of State for New & Renewable Energy, Shripad Naik, informed in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

Given the site-specific nature of these projects, which depend on water discharge and head availability, the Ministry has developed 27 standards, guidelines, and manuals. These were created in collaboration with IIT Roorkee in 2013-14 to facilitate the proper development of SHP projects. For larger hydro projects exceeding 25MW, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) carried out reassessment studies from 2017 to 2023. These studies focused on optimal river basin utilisation, head availability, and adequate hydrology. According to the CEA, India’s hydroelectric power potential above 25MW stands at approximately 133GW.

The Ministry has outlined upcoming hydro projects in Odisha, including several in Kalahandi. However, there are no current plans for projects in Nuapada, Odisha. While there is no Small Hydro Power Scheme to provide subsidies for Mini Hydro Power projects, the government is offering Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for solar power project implementation under various schemes.