South and Central Asia's hydropower capacity reaches 166 GW

Several projects are set to be completed as only a few projects came online last year.

South and Central Asia deployed 1,338 megawatts of (MW) hydropower capacity in 20203, bringing its total installed capacity to 166 gigawatts (GW), led by Nepal which added 478 MW of projects.

In a report, the International Hydropower Association (IHA) said there were “promising signs of progress” in the region, noting that many governments announced new projects or signed deals for large-scale projects.

For example, India announced major pumped hydropower projects following the issuance of a government guidance noted in development.

IHA said that there were not many new projects commissioned last year but many are set to be completed, including major projects in Bhutan and Pakistan.

“Many countries are working on regional development projects that will see them share water and electricity, based on existing treaties. The governments of Azerbaijan and Iran reached an agreement to complete the construction of the Khudaferin and Giz Galasi dams,” the report read. 

“So far, 96% of the works have been completed. When commissioned, the projects will have an installed capacity of 100MW and 40MW respectively, on the Azerbaijani and Iranian sides,” it added.

IHA also noted that the Central Asia South Asia Transmission and Trade Project, which was the subject of new talks late last year, will improve the interconnection of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan also said that they will form a joint-stock firm for the Kambarata 1 hydropower plant.