NEW DELHI: India has identified 133,410 megawatts (MW) of large hydroelectric potential and 176,280 MW of pumped storage potential, according to a recent assessment by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). This information was provided by the Minister of State for Power, Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
CEA data reveals that over the past decade, 24 hydroelectric schemes, including PSPs with a total capacity of 15,569 MW, have been approved. Currently, 17 hydroelectric projects (11,376 MW) and 38 PSPs (55,330 MW) are under survey and investigation for DPR preparation.
The Ministry of Power announced several initiatives to harness this hydro potential, including a new Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. The PPA, signed on January 3, 2024, between Ratle Hydro Electric Power Corporation Limited (RHPCL) and Rajasthan Urja Vikas, IT Services Limited, spans 40 years with tariffs set by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC). This agreement is part of broader governmental efforts to classify large hydropower projects (above 25 MW) as renewable energy sources.
Key measures include Hydro Purchase Obligations (HPO), tariff rationalization, budgetary support for infrastructure and flood moderation, and the issuance of guidelines for Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs). The government has also waived Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for hydroelectric projects and PSPs and expedited the approval timeline for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).
State-wise data shows significant hydro potential across various regions. The northern region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, has a combined conventional potential of 46,971 MW and 30,900 MW for pumped storage. In the western region, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh lead with a total potential of 7,824 MW conventional and 66,580 MW pumped storage. The southern region, featuring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, totals 12,570 MW conventional and 60,475 MW pumped storage. The eastern region, with states like Odisha and West Bengal, has a potential of 10,115 MW conventional and 11,795 MW pumped storage. The northeastern region, led by Arunachal Pradesh, contributes 55,930 MW conventional and 6,530 MW pumped storage to the national tally.India’s focus on enhancing its renewable energy capacity aligns with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions, underscoring the country’s commitment to leveraging its natural resources for future energy security.
- Published On Aug 1, 2024 at 03:44 PM IST
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