Archive · 20 Jul 2026
India Targets 14,000 MW Hydel Projects by 2032-33
India plans to add 13,000-14,000 MW of hydropower and pumped storage projects by 2032-33.
These projects will help support the country's renewable energy expansion by providing stable and flexible capacity to balance solar and wind energy.
The government is speeding up approvals and clearances to accelerate project development.
Private sector participation is encouraged, and the potential for pumped storage projects has increased significantly.
However, there are concerns about environmental clearances, supply-chain bottlenecks, and higher insurance premiums.
India targets 13,000-14,000 MW of hydropower projects by 2032-33.
Pumped storage projects (PSPs) aim for 2.6 GW this year and 2.9 GW next year.
CEA approves PSPs in less than 30 days, faster than the Ministry of Power's target.
Private sector participation is encouraged through self-identified sites for PSP development.
Storage capacity requirement is projected to rise to 476 GW by 2046-47.
- Who
- Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and the Ministry of Power
- What
- Hydropower and pumped storage projects to support renewable energy expansion
- When
- Targeting 13,000-14,000 MW by 2032-33
- Where
- India
- Why
- To provide reliable and flexible capacity needed to balance rising solar and wind generation
Accelerated Development
Environmental and Supply Concerns
Project Approval Speed
Accelerated Development
The CEA has been approving projects in less than 30 days after the DPR is completed, faster than the Ministry of Power's target of 90 days.
Environmental and Supply Concerns
Environmental and forest clearances are still required, which can cause delays.
Private Sector Participation
Accelerated Development
Private investors and companies are encouraged to enter the PSP segment through self-identified sites.
Environmental and Supply Concerns
Higher insurance premiums and supply-chain bottlenecks may deter private investment.
- Target Capacity
- 13,000-14,000 MW by 2032-33
- Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs)
- 2.6 GW this year, 2.9 GW next year
- Approval Time
- Less than 30 days for PSPs
- Construction Time
- 3-4 years for closed-loop, offstream PSPs
- Storage Capacity Requirement
- 62 GW by 2029-30, 161 GW by 2034-35, 476 GW by 2046-47
- PSP Potential
- Increased from 94-97 GW in 2022 to around 270 GW
- Largest PSP Under Development
- 3,000 MW at a single site