According to the ‘Hydropower Special Market Report – Analysis and forecast to 2030’ released by International Energy Agency (IEA) – India is expected to add 26 GW (or 26,000 MW) of Hydropower projects by 2030.
- At present, the installed capacity of the 207 hydropower projects running in India is 46,209 MW. More than 9,000 MW of large hydro projects are under construction at present.
- The Global hydropower capacity is set to increase by 17%, or 230 GW, between 2021 and 2030. China will remain the single largest hydropower market through 2030, accounting for 40% of the global capacity growth in the Hydropower sector.
- This is the 1st ever IEA market report dedicated exclusively to hydropower.
Hydropower – World’s main source of low-carbon electricity
Providing one sixth of global electricity generation in 2020 (following coal and natural gas), at almost 4500 TWh (Terawatt-hour) – 55% more than Nuclear – Hydropower technologies are the world’s main source of low-carbon electricity.
India & Hydro Energy sector
i.India’s present Hydropower installed capacity of 46,209 MW includes 4,785 MW of pumped storage hydro projects used for storing electricity, 1,500 MW of pumped storage hydro projects are under construction.
- The report stated that the pumped storage hydro fleet will triple by 2030 to accommodate growing solar capacity.
ii.In 2019, India classified pumped hydropower projects greater than 25 MW as renewable energy sources, making it eligible for more affordable renewables-only financial support.
- The report states that Financial support such as grants for enabling infrastructure and flood control, and policies enabling cross-border trade among India’s states will support hydropower development.
iii.Hydropower’s share in the overall energy matrix of India has decreased from 40% in 1980 to 12% at present.
Upcoming plans of India
Recently, India has approved the 210 MW Luhri Stage-I Hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh and an 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric project on the river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir.
- In 2003, India launched a scheme for preparation of a preliminary feasibility report of 162 new hydro projects with a capacity of 47,930 MW.
- Out of this, only 2,377 MW are under construction and 96 MW are operating. Projects accounting for 17,350 MW were shelved due to environmental issues and local agitations.
Fact – The world’s largest hydroelectric facility is the Three Gorges Dam in China.
Recent Related News:
November 13, 2020, According to IEA’s report, Renewables 2020 – Analysis and Forecast to 2025, India’s Renewable Energy sector will see the largest growth after COVID-19. India will double its green energy capacity addition in 2021 compared to 2020 levels.
About International Energy Agency (IEA)
Executive Director – Dr Fatih Birol
Headquarters – Paris, France
