India Power & Hydro Sector – Key Insights

 India Power & Hydro Sector – Key Insights 

🇮🇳 Power Industry Overview:

3rd largest producer & consumer of electricity globally.

Non-fossil fuel capacity (June 2025): 237.7 GW → 49% of total capacity.

Govt schemes: DDUGJY, UDAY, IPDS.

Target: 500 GW non-fossil by 2030 (more than double current).

2019–25: Energy sector = 24% of ₹111 lakh crore capex (~$1.4T).

2025–26 Budget: ₹86,138 crore via 9 power PSUs (+21% YoY).

More focus on green hydrogen, solar & energy corridors.

 Power Generation Growth:

FY15: 1,110 BU → FY25 (till June): 1,824 BU ✅ steady YoY rise

💧 Hydropower Overview:

Installed capacity (June 2025): 54.48 GW – 5th largest globally, ahead of Japan.

Potential: 145,000 MW (60% LF = 85,000 MW demand coverage).

Large hydro: 35.9 GW (2008) → 49.37 GW (2025).

Small hydro: ~5.1 GW.

Projects Status:

13.5 GW under construction.

18 GW under survey.

21 GW cleared by CEA.

Key Developments:

Big focus on Jammu & Kashmir projects.

Arunachal Pradesh – “Hydropower Capital of India” (2025).

2025–35 → Declared Decade of Hydropower.

📊 Installed Capacity Mix:

Coal – 47%

Renewable (ex-hydro) – 33%

Hydro – 11%

Others – 7%

Nuclear – 2%

Why Hydro is Crucial:

Low operating cost & minimal consumables.

Cheaper than coal/gas plants.

Less risk from fuel price volatility.

Quick to start/stop – perfect for peak loads.

Future Outlook:

Potential to hit ~107 GW hydropower by 2035.

Small hydro can add 10–12 GW more.

Pumped storage hydro to rise for solar/wind balancing.

Export potential to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan.

Hydro to contribute ~20% of renewable share in India’s 2030 green energy goal