Hydropower Remains India’s Most Dependable Renewable Energy Source
The Atmanirbhar energy transition in India must include a balanced and sustainable mix of renewables. Hydropower power is essential due to its dependability and longevity. Through responsible expansion and technological advancement, we must ensure that it remains a strong foundation for India’s sustainable development.
February 11, 2026. By News Bureau
Hydropower has long been the backbone of India’s clean energy journey. Unlike solar and wind, which depend on natural conditions, hydropower delivers power consistently and on demand. It brings balance to the grid, supports peak requirements, and strengthens overall system stability. This reliability is why hydropower continues to be a core pillar of India’s energy mix.
India possesses robust hydropower power potential, especially in the Himalayan states and regions near the Western Ghats. However, a substantial portion of India’s hydropower potential remains untapped. Government estimates indicate that the country has over 145 GW of hydropower power potential; however, only about one-third of it has been harnessed.
Small and medium-scale hydropower projects, in particular, hold vast potential. These projects typically have a lower environmental impact and can be integrated with existing water management systems, while also supporting regional development. When planned and executed effectively, they can deliver benefits beyond power generation alone.
Nevertheless, the development of hydropower resources must be undertaken responsibly. Environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sustainability cannot be compromised. The industry has learned important lessons over the years, leading to significant improvements in planning processes, environmental impact assessments, and rehabilitation and resettlement practices. Recent advancements include run-of-the-river schemes, reduced submergence, and improved ecological flow management.
At Kundan Green Energy, scalable development and sustainability form the core of our strategy. We are focused on developing hydropower projects that comply with regulatory norms, support environmental preservation, and deliver long-lasting clean energy. We view hydropower not merely as an energy source, but as critical infrastructure that must operate in harmony with nature.
Hydropower is also crucial to meeting India’s climate change commitments. As a non-carbon-emitting energy source with a long operational lifespan, it plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, hydropower projects support grid-scale energy storage, which is increasingly essential for integrating large volumes of solar and wind energy.
Policy support has been instrumental in revitalising the sector. Measures such as classifying large hydropower projects as renewable energy sources, tariff rationalisation, and the availability of long-term financing have been key factors in restoring investor confidence.
The Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) energy transition in India must include a balanced and sustainable mix of renewables. Hydropower power is essential due to its dependability and longevity. Through responsible expansion and technological advancement, we must ensure that it remains a strong foundation for India’s sustainable development.
At Kundan Green Energy, our vision is to develop reliable and responsible hydropower resources that help secure India’s energy needs, today and for future generations.
- Udit Garg, Managing Director & CEO of Kundan Green Energy
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.
Hartek Singh
CMD
Energy Security Has Evolved into a Strategic Imperative for India: Hartek Singh
Ratul Puri
Chairman
Geopolitics Reshaping Solar Strategy, Says Hindustan Power's Chairman Ratul Puri
Bhavesh Patidar
Founder and Director
Solar Shifts Farming from Constraint to Opportunity, Says Solarsure’s Bhavesh Patidar
Pankaj Tyagi
VP - Solar and Storage
Solar Plus Storage Is Key to India’s Clean Energy Future: BluPine’s Pankaj Tyagi
Ravi Rao
Founder and MD
We Aim to Build 5 GW Capacity Across the Entire Solar Value Chain, Says Future Solar's Ravi Rao