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India is on the brink of a major hydroelectric power expansion, with ongoing projects set to increase the nation’s hydro capacity from 42 GW to an impressive 67 GW by 2031-32. This surge, representing a growth of over 50% from current levels, comes as the Indian Meteorological Department forecasts higher rainfall this year, which, alongside increased snowmelt due to rising temperatures, promises an abundant water supply for hydro projects, particularly in the Himalayan region.
Amidst this backdrop of growth, the country’s focus on Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs), dubbed as ‘Water Batteries’, is gaining momentum. These projects, crucial for grid stability and balancing, are poised for a significant leap from 4.7 GW to approximately 55 GW within the same timeframe, with 2.7 GW currently under construction and another 50 GW in various stages of development.
Despite this optimistic outlook, the hydroelectric sector faced challenges in 2023-24, with production dropping due to factors beyond mere rainfall variability. The southern region, accounting for about 22% of India’s hydro output, witnessed a reduction in generation due to low rainfall. However, the larger impact was seen in the northern and eastern regions, which contribute over 60% to the hydro energy mix, where natural disasters like flash floods in Himachal Pradesh and the Eastern region severely disrupted operations of many hydro stations.
Looking ahead, the government remains hopeful. Predictions of a good monsoon in FY 2024-25 hint at a potential rebound in hydro power generation and an opportunity to replenish reservoir capacities diminished in the previous dry year.
The role of hydroelectric power in India’s energy transition is pivotal. As the country embraces solar and wind energy, the need for hydroelectric power’s peaking support to the electricity grid becomes ever more critical, enhancing both reliability and resilience of the power system.
Despite past hurdles in hydro power development, including natural calamities and contractual disputes, India’s commitment to reducing emissions intensity and increasing non-fossil fuel power capacity as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the COP Paris agreement remains unwavering. The nation’s renewable energy capacity has seen remarkable growth, achieving a total non-fossil-based capacity of 157.32 GW by the end of November 2021, which represents 40.1% of the total installed capacity.
India’s progress in renewable energy, highlighted by a significant increase in generation and installed capacity, underscores its commitment to the Paris agreement and its ambitions for a sustainable energy future. With initiatives to boost non-fossil fuel generation to 500 GW by 2030, India is not only meeting but exceeding its international climate commitments, showcasing its leadership in the global transition to renewable energy. |
