India’s hydropower capacity is 47,000 MW, which is 35 per cent of its available hydropower potential

Union Power Minister R. K. Singh announced that 13 under-construction hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh, with a total generation capacity of 13,000 MW, will attract an investment of approximately Rs 1.4 lakh crore. During his visit to the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh/Assam, Singh inspected the construction sites and highlighted the significance of hydropower in achieving round-the-clock renewable energy.

Singh mentioned that besides the large Subansiri project, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has signed MoUs with central public sector undertakings for 13 projects, leading to a hydroelectric capacity of 13,000 MW in Arunachal Pradesh. These projects are expected to bring in investments totaling around Rs 1.4 lakh crore, significantly boosting the state’s per capita income and providing clean power to the nation.

In addition, Singh highlighted the progress of five hydroelectric projects under construction in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasising the increasing hydro potential in the region. Singh expressed satisfaction with the ongoing projects and stressed the importance of hydropower in the energy transition, emissions reduction, and the growth of renewables.

Singh acknowledged that India’s hydropower capacity is 47,000 MW, which is 35 per cent of its available hydropower potential. He emphasised the need to tap into the available hydropower potential more effectively and highlighted the challenges of meeting the growing power demand in the country.

Singh noted that India has added significant power capacity in recent years, transforming from a power-deficient nation to one with sufficient power and the ability to export to neighbouring countries.

He pointed out that the under-construction capacity in renewables is around 70,000 MW, while in thermal, it is 27,000 MW. Singh also mentioned the country’s plan to add another 53,000 MW of under-construction thermal capacity to meet the power demand expected in 2030. Overall, Singh emphasised the commitment to adding power capacity to address the challenge of growing power demand in the rapidly growing Indian economy.

(Inputs from PTI)