India - Potential of small hydro & wind power

It is reported that the potential of small hydropower projects and wind power in India together are estimated at 60,000 MW. Out of this, small hydro power is estimated at 15,000 MW and that of wind power is 45,000 MW in India.

Union Ministry of New & Renewable Energy is responsible for the subject of small hydro up to 25 MW. The Ministry is encouraging development of both small hydro power and wind power in India through various fiscal and financial incentives. So far, small hydro power projects of 2061 MW and wind power projects of 7940 MW have been set up in India.

The Ministry is providing central financial assistance for the setting up of small or mini hydropower projects both in public and private sector. Central financial assistance is also given to community or individual watermill owners for development and up gradation of watermills for mechanical as well as electricity generation. Central financial assistance is to meet 75% of the project cost limited to INR 30,000 per water mill for mechanical application and INR 1 million per water mill for mechanical and electrical applications.

As per Central Electricity Authority, the total hydroelectric power potential in India is assessed at about 150,000 MW equivalents to 84,000 MW at 60% load factor.