Small Hydro Power has a distinctive role in India’s clean energy transition: Shri Shripad Yesso Naik
Union Minister Shri Shripad Yesso Naik highlighted the distinctive role of Small Hydro Power in India's clean energy transition during a Curtain Raiser Programme in New Delhi. He noted India's assessed Small Hydro Power potential of about 21 GW, out of which roughly 5.2 GW has been harnessed, and announced a proposed development scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore. The upcoming dedicated Small Hydro Power session will take place at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit Expo 2026 from 2nd to 5th November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exams tracking India's renewable energy targets, government schemes, installed capacity milestones, and upcoming energy summits.
In Simple Words
Small Hydro Power (SHP) plays a key role in India's clean energy transition by boosting energy security, decentralised generation, and socio-economic development in remote regions. India has crossed 300 GW of installed non-fossil-fuel capacity.
Out of an assessed SHP potential of around 21 GW across 7,100 sites, only 5.2 GW is harnessed. The government proposed an SHP Development Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with a ₹2,584.60 crore outlay to add about 1,500 MW.
Key Points
- Shri Shripad Yesso Naik addressed the Curtain Raiser Programme for the Small Hydro Power session at the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit Expo 2026 in New Delhi.
- India crossed the milestone of 300 GW of installed non-fossil-fuel capacity.
- India's presently assessed Small Hydro Power potential is around 21 GW across more than 7,100 identified sites.
- Only about 5.2 GW of Small Hydro Power potential has been harnessed so far.
- The government proposed a Small Hydro Power Development Scheme for 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of ₹2,584.60 crore and a target of ~1,500 MW.
- The Bharat Renewable Energy Summit Expo 2026 will be held from 2nd to 5th November 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Exam Angle
A. ₹2,584.60 crore
Source: Press Information Bureau