Hydroelectric power in India

India was the 6th largest producer of hydroelectric power in 2008 after Norway: 114 TWh and 3.5% the world total in 2008.^[1] The potential for hydroelectric power in India is one of the greatest in the world.The first hydro-electric power station in India was established in Karnataka at "shivana samudra".

Hydro Potential

India is endowed with economically exploitable and viable hydro potential assessed to be about 84,000 MW at 60% load factor. In addition, 6,780 MW in terms of installed capacity from Small, Mini, and Micro Hydel schemes have been assessed. Also, 56 sites for pumped storage schemes with an aggregate installed capacity of 94,000 MW have been identified. It is the most widely used form of renewable energy. India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario.

The present installed capacity as on September 30, 2013 is approximately 39,788.40 MW which is 17.39% of total electricity generation in India.^[2] The public sector has a predominant share of 97% in this sector.^[3] National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), Northeast Electric Power Company (NEEPCO), Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), THDC, NTPC-Hydro are a few public sector companies engaged in development of Hydroelectric Power in India.

Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), an illustrative state owned enterprise in north India, has an installed capacity of 2.9 GW and generates 12,000-14,000 million units per year. The cost of generation of energy after four decades of operation is about 20 paise/kWh. BBMB is a major source of peaking power and black start to the northern grid in India. Large reservoirs provide operational flexibility. BBMB reservoirs annually supply water for irrigation to 12.5 million acres (51,000 km²; 19,500 sq mi) of agricultural land of partner states, enabling northern India in its green revolution.

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