Economic Geography

Hydro energy, also known as hydroelectric energy or hydropower, is a renewable energy source generated by the kinetic energy of flowing water. As of 2022, India boasted a hydroelectric capacity of 46,512 MW, constituting approximately 12% of the nation’s total power generation capacity. This figure underscores the substantial potential for hydro energy in India.

Hydro Energy Potential of India:

• Estimated Potential: India possesses an estimated hydropower potential of 1,45,320 MW, excluding small hydro projects (SHPs), which contribute an additional 20 GW potential. At a 60% load factor, this potential can meet the demand of around 85,000 MW.
• Regional Distribution: The primary regions with significant hydropower potential are in the northern and northeastern parts of the country. Arunachal Pradesh leads the way with the largest untapped potential of 47 GW, followed by Uttarakhand with 12 GW.
• River Systems: The unexploited potential is concentrated along three major river systems: the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra. These regions hold immense promise for hydropower development.
• Pumped Storage Potential: India boasts more than 90 GW of pumped storage potential, with 63 identified sites officially recognized in national energy policies. These sites play a crucial role in providing valuable grid services and enhancing energy grid stability.

Reasons for Limited Spatial Distribution of Hydro Energy in India:

• Regional Variability: The distribution of water resources is uneven across different states and regions of India. The Himalayan region in the north and northeastern states receive heavy rainfall and are endowed with abundant water resources, making them suitable for hydroelectric projects. However, other regions, such as the arid western and some peninsular parts of India, have limited water resources, restricting the scope for hydro energy development.
• Interstate Water Disputes: India’s federal structure has led to disputes over the sharing of river waters between states. Interstate water disputes can delay or even stall the implementation of hydro projects, reducing their spatial distribution. The Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu exemplifies this.
• High Capital Costs: Hydroelectric projects require substantial upfront capital investments for dam construction, turbines, and transmission infrastructure. Access to financing and the ability to mobilize resources can be challenging, particularly for economically disadvantaged regions, limiting the spread of hydro energy development. For example, the Dibang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh is estimated to cost Rs 31,876.39 crore at the May 2021 price level.
• Technological Challenges: Some regions lack the necessary technical expertise and infrastructure to support hydro energy projects. The remote Himalayan regions, for instance, face logistical challenges in transporting equipment and materials to construction sites.
• Social and Environmental Concerns: The construction of large dams and reservoirs for hydroelectric projects often raise social and environmental concerns, including habitat disruption, waterlogging, and the displacement of local communities, limiting the expansion of hydro energy initiatives.
  • For instance, construction of the Sardar Sarovar Dam led to the rise of Narmada Bachao Andolan due to concerns about environmental degradation and displacement of local communities.

Way Forward

• Interstate Collaboration: Foster interstate cooperation through collaborative agreements and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, as exemplified by the successful Bhakra-Nangal Project involving Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, to accelerate the implementation of hydro projects and harness the potential of shared water resources.
• Investment Incentivization: Launch proactive investment incentives, building on the power ministry’s proposed scheme with an initial allocation of ₹16,000 crore, to attract both public and private capital into hydropower ventures, ensuring financial support for the growth of hydroelectric projects. •
• Hybrid Energy Systems: Create hybrid energy systems by integrating hydro energy with solar and wind, following Denmark’s pioneering example to boost reliability and reduce environmental impact.
• Micro-Hydro Solutions: Implement decentralized micro-hydro projects that harness smaller water bodies and streams, as seen in Nepal’s successful rural initiatives. This empowers local communities by providing localized power generation, reducing infrastructure demands, and enhancing energy access and sustainability.
• Eco-Friendly Technologies: Invest in eco-friendly hydro technologies, such as run-of-river systems and fish-friendly turbines, to address environmental concerns and enhance project sustainability. For example, Canada’s Natel turbine features thick blades that enable more than 99 percent of fish to pass through safely.
• Community-Centric Approaches: Prioritize community involvement in project planning, offering incentives and benefits to local communities to gain their support and cooperation. The Reventazon project in Costa Rica, recognized as an international model of good practice in hydropower sustainability, exemplifies it.

In conclusion, India possesses substantial hydro energy potential, but its spatial distribution is hindered by multiple factors. India’s ambitious goal of achieving 40 percent of its installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 emphasizes the significance of tapping into this potential. Through cooperative and determined endeavors, India can turn this aspiration into reality, fostering a cleaner and more diverse energy landscape, thereby securing a sustainable energy future for the nation.