Hydropower Development in India: A Sector Assessment

Abstract

This report is intended to be a reference document for various parties involved in hydropower development in India. It provides an assessment of the hydropower development potential in India. Although the report is somewhat technical in nature, it should be of interest to the Government, nongovernment organizations, and civil society in general. The report would serve its purpose if it helps to reinforce public awareness and concern to make the Indian energy sector more diverse and sustainable. Energy security is a major concern in many of our developing member countries. India is no different to this. In order to maintain the required power demand-supply balance and to meet its goal of Power For All by 2012, India needs to install an additional 100,000MW power generating capacity. This is a major challenge and we hope India’s vast hydropower potential can contribute to this in an environmentally sustainable and socially responsible manner. In this report, an assessment has been made to understand the hydropower potential. A significant contribution from hydropower resources to meet the emerging needs of the power sector seems technically feasible and cost-effective