India’s leading hydropower producer, NHPC Ltd, is set to commission hydropower projects with a total capacity of 2,170 megawatts (MW) by the end of FY26, according to Chairman and Managing Director Raj Kumar Chaudhary. In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, he also confirmed that the much-delayed 2,000 MW Subansiri Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh will be commissioned in FY26.
Overcoming Challenges in the Hydropower Sector
Acknowledging the slow growth of hydropower capacity last year, Chaudhary highlighted the multiple challenges in the sector, ranging from geological uncertainties to securing consensus from local communities. He emphasized that NHPC is tackling these challenges with customized solutions, as no universal approach fits all issues.
Currently, NHPC operates 22 hydropower projects in India, with a total installed capacity of 7,233 MW, including 6,571 MW of hydropower and 662 MW of renewable energy. Additionally, the company has 9,314 MW of hydro projects under construction, around 4,000 MW at various clearance stages, and 5,500 MW at the survey stage. NHPC’s new initiatives amount to approximately 14,700 MW of additional capacity.
Project Timeline: Major Commissions in FY24 and FY25
NHPC has several projects running behind schedule, but key hydroelectric projects are set for commissioning soon:
- March 2024: The 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh will be commissioned, increasing NHPC’s total installed capacity to 8,032 MW and its annual hydropower generation to 24,982 million units (MU).
- December 2025: The 120 MW Rangit-IV Hydroelectric Project in Sikkim will come online.
- March 2026: Five out of eight units of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Hydroelectric Project, each with a capacity of 250 MW, will be commissioned.
- May 2026: The remaining three units of Subansiri will be energized, marking the full commissioning of the project.
By the end of FY 2025-26, NHPC’s total installed hydropower capacity will reach 9,403 MW, with an estimated annual generation of 32,978 MU.
NHPC’s Expansion into Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)
Apart from traditional hydropower, NHPC is aggressively pursuing pumped storage projects (PSPs). The company has identified at least 20 PSPs, aiming to develop a total capacity of 20 gigawatts (GW) or 20,000 MW. This initiative is expected to require an investment of approximately Rs 80,000 crore.
With these strategic expansions, NHPC is reinforcing its position as India’s largest hydropower producer while contributing significantly to the country’s renewable energy goals.
