India’s hydroelectric power surge: 15 GW under construction, set to exceed 50% non-fossil energy by 2030

New Delhi: India is experiencing an increase in hydroelectric power projects, with 15 GW of capacity under construction. By 2031-32, hydro capacity is set to increase from 42 GW to 67 GW, marking a rise of over 50% from current levels.

The Indian Meteorological Department predicts higher rainfall this year, which will benefit hydropower. Projects in the Himalayan region, fed by snowmelt, also stand to benefit from warmer temperatures.

During the shift towards cleaner energy, Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) are becoming increasingly important for stabilising the grid. Currently, 2.7 GW of PSPs are being built, with an additional 50 GW in different stages of development, expected to reach about 55 GW by 2031-32.

The decrease in hydro power generation in 2023-24 was not just because of less rainfall. While the southern region saw lower rainfall, natural disasters in the northern and eastern regions also affected over 60% of total hydro energy generation.

Despite challenges, the government is hopeful for a recovery in reservoir capacities due to the anticipated good monsoon in FY 2024-25.

Acknowledging the changing energy landscape, hydroelectric power plays an important role in offering peak support to the grid, improving its reliability.

Despite facing obstacles such as natural disasters, India remains dedicated to achieving its ambitious goals set forth in the COP Paris agreement, striving for accelerated hydro power development.

India’s renewable energy capacity has grown significantly, exceeding commitments made at COP 21 Paris Summit nine years earlier than planned.

India updated its commitments under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) during the Glasgow COP26 and in August 2022 shared them with UNFCCC. These commitments include:

1. Promoting a sustainable lifestyle focused on conservation and moderation, such as through the ‘LIFE’ movement, to address climate change.
2. Striving for a 45% decrease in the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
3. Working towards achieving around 50% of its electric power capacity from non-fossil-fuel-based sources by 2030, with assistance from technology transfer and affordable international finance, including support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

India aims to surpass 50% of its energy capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030 with its updated NDCs.

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