205-Hydropower Development in India for Energy Security.

Abstract

India has a large hydropower potential and much of it is still unutilized. Presently, the country is facing a severe shortage of electric energy and this shortage is going to further increase with economic development and change in life style. Estimates show that only about 20% of the assessed hydropower potential of 150,000 MW has been utilized so far. Further, there are large regional variations in the utilization of the potential. Hydropower projects require large finances and there are infrastructure and other bottlenecks in construction of new projects. In view of serious shortage of electricity, the Govt. of India has launched many measures for accelerated development of hydropower including the involvement of private sector. Hydropower is clean energy whose generation is not linked to fuel supply and its price, transportation of fuel, and environmental pollution. This paper discusses the present status of hydropower development, the hindrances in utilizing the potential, and the ways to accelerate development of the remaining potential for long-term energy security in India.