In an effort to enhance the hydroelectric power capacity in the country, the Ministry of Power (MoP) plans to establish 13 hydroelectric projects (HEPs) in Arunachal Pradesh, collectively providing a capacity of 13,000 MW. Following an assessment of the advancements made in the 2,000 MW Lower Subansiri HEP in Arunachal Pradesh, union minister for power and new and renewable energy highlighted that the 13 projects will require a total investment of Rs 1,400 billion. The lower Subansiri HEP is slated to commence operations in 2023-2024.
Highlighting the significance of HEPs in facilitating the energy transition, the union minister emphasised that despite India’s solar and wind capacity, achieving round-the-clock renewable energy is not feasible without the contribution of hydroelectricity. The minister further mentioned that the construction of five HEPs in Jammu & Kashmir is currently in progress.
The minister underscored that India’s current hydroelectric capacity stands at 47,000 MW, constituting 35 per cent of India’s accessible hydroelectric potential. In contrast, developed nations have harnessed approximately 70 per cent to 80 per cent of their available hydroelectric potential.
Over the past nine and a half years, India has augmented its power capacity by 190,000 MW. Currently, there is an under-construction capacity of approximately 70,000 MW in renewables and 27,000 MW in thermal power.
