Advantage India

India has been generating hydro-power for more than a century.

India ranks fifth in the world in terms of exploitable hydro potential. According to CEA estimates, India’s exploitable hydroelectric potential is estimated to be 150,000 MW, whereas the installed capacity in the country has so far been 34,653.77 MW, which is about 23 % of the potential.

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), the potential of Indian small hydro power projects (up to 25 MW) is estimated at 15,000 MW, whereas the country has so far set up SHP projects with a cumulative installed capacity of 1,976 MW only.

The Government envisages a capacity addition of 1,400 MW during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2007-2012). Apart from this, projects aggregating to a 394 MW capacity are under implementation.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) arranges low-interest loans for hydel power stations with capacities up to 25 MW. A package of incentives and subsidies, including fiscal concessions, are available for SHP projects. Many states have announced preferential tariff structures for SHP projects.

The Government of India is encouraging the development of small hydro projects through public and private sector participation in various States.

Due to the wide distribution of small hydro power stations, India has a well-functioning network of manufacturers and dealers with established international connections and partnerships.