India targets 70GW hydropower capacity by 2030

Its hydropower potential is estimated at 145GW.

The hydropower capacity in India is expected to reach 70GW by 2030, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). At the end of 2019, the total hydropower capacity stood at over 50GW—including 45.4GW of large hydropower capacity (above 10MW)—and more than 12.7GW are currently under construction, with another 8GW expected to start construction before the end of the year.

India's hydropower potential is estimated at 145GW at 60% plant load factor. The country has set a target of 175GW of renewable power capacity by 2022, including 5GW from small hydropower. Under a draft amendment of the Electricity Act, hydropower could be included within the renewable purchase obligation (RPO) targets set for the state power distribution companies.

This article was originally published by Enerdata.