Hydropower is key to storage solutions

Discussing the untapped potentials of India’s hydropower generation, Neelav Samrat De of ANDRITZ highlights the developments happening in the hydropower sector, especially with the regulatory and policy changes in this sector.

What steps is the hydropower industry taking to expand the current capacity of 46,850 MW?
The Ministry of Power is undertaking efforts to accelerate and enhance hydroelectric projects in the northern region of India. During a recent event, R. K. Singh, Minister of Power, emphasised the importance of utilising hydropower and dispelling any false rumours associated with hydropower projects. To promote pumped storage projects across the nation, the Ministry of Power has issued guidelines. Additionally, several major projects in Arunachal Pradesh have been tendered to procure similar supplies and services like in Jammu and Kashmir.

How effectively are we managing the water factor in hydropower and improving the installed capacity of hydroelectricity?
Hydropower relies on water as its primary fuel source rather than viewing it as a barrier. Several lift irrigation projects, including those in Andhra Pradesh and other states, are in progress, with a substantial generation component. The grid has also experienced significant additions of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, leading to the emergence of pumped storage hydro projects such as Pinnapuram, Soundatti, and Gandhisagar, which are presently under construction. This trend indicates an upsurge in hydropower projects, and we anticipate the commissioning of the 2000 MW Subansiri Hydro Project later this year.

What forms of financial and technical aid can be anticipated from the government and renewable energy sector to facilitate the establishment of hydropower plants?
Last year, the government issued amendments to the Hydropower Policy, which tackle several longstanding problems, including free power, local area development fees, inter-state transmission charges, and the introduction of viability gap funding, which supports project developers. Renewable projects that attain COD before 30th June 2025 will be exempted from inter-state transmission charges, enhancing project feasibility. The government is fully committed to achieving sustainable expansion in the
hydropower sector, and the industry has widely applauded this measure.

How might hydropower help India meet its renewable energy targets?
Hydropower is a reliable reactive power source that can be scaled up to fulfil grid requirements. Hydropower will play a critical role in grid frequency management and stability in conjunction with the rise in renewable energy capacity. Unlike battery storage systems, pumped storage is the most economical solution for coping with the intermittent power supply from solar and wind in the long run. As a result, hydropower is regarded as a promising contributor to India’s renewable energy targets. As we have witnessed previously, there is a need for a stimulus in the small hydro sector, which is also a renewable energy source. It can help with rural electrification and provide power to remote areas of the country.

(The opinions and views mentioned in the article are those of the author only and do not reflect, in any way, those of the organisation.)