The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Hydroelectric power projects with an aggregate capacity of 15 gigawatts (GW) are currently under construction across India. This ambitious expansion drive aims to increase the nation’s hydro capacity from the present 42 GW to 67 GW by 2031-32, marking a substantial rise of over 50%.
A key thrust area is the development of pumped storage projects (PSPs), which serve as large-scale “water batteries” capable of providing essential grid balancing services. Currently, PSPs with a combined capacity of 2.7 GW are under construction, with an additional 50 GW in various stages of planning and development. By 2031-32, India’s PSP capacity is projected to soar from the current 4.7 GW to around 55 GW.
While hydro generation in 2023-24 dipped compared to the previous year, this decline cannot be solely attributed to low rainfall. The northern and eastern regions, accounting for over 60% of India’s total hydro production, were severely impacted by natural calamities like flash floods, which disrupted power station operations. However, the tide may turn soon as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a good monsoon for the 2024-25 financial year, potentially replenishing reservoir levels.
Hydroelectric power has historically played a crucial role in India’s energy landscape, providing vital peaking support to enhance the reliability and resilience of the electricity grid. As the country transitions towards a cleaner energy mix with significant additions of solar and wind power, the importance of hydropower as a balancing resource has only grown.
The government’s proactive stance on accelerating hydro development aligns with India’s ambitious climate targets outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. These goals include reducing emissions intensity by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030 and achieving 50% of installed electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by the same year.
Notably, India has already surpassed one of its key commitments by achieving over 40% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources as of November 2021, almost nine years ahead of schedule. This achievement underscores the country’s unwavering dedication to its climate objectives.
India’s renewable energy capacity has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, increasing from 38.96 GW in 2015 to 136.57 GW by February 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of nearly 15%. Solar power generation, in particular, has seen an even more impressive 43% compound annual growth rate during this period.
As India continues its clean energy transition, hydropower expansion, coupled with the strategic development of pumped storage projects, is poised to play a pivotal role. By harnessing the nation’s vast hydro potential and integrating it seamlessly with other renewable sources, India aims to fortify its power grid’s reliability while simultaneously reducing its carbon footprint and meeting its ambitious climate targets.
