Share of hydro power declines to 17.55% in June

Shares have declined from 43.5% in 1969-70 to 17.55% as on June 30, 2013

The share of hydro power in the nation's energy mix has dropped to 17.55% in more than 40 years, Parliament was informed today.

 

"The share of hydro power in the energy sector has declined from 43.5% in 1969-70 to 17.55% as on June 30, 2013," Power Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

 

"The main reasons for this downward trend is slower pace of growth of hydro projects, i.e. Development cycle of hydro is 8-12 years vis-a-vis 4-5 years for thermal," he said.

 

Hydro power generation in the country stands at over 39,416.40 MW, according to the latest data.

 

The minister said thermal power development has outpaced hydro development due to the rapid increase in the country's energy requirements. Besides, hydro development is beset with bottlenecks or challenges, he said.

 

A monitoring mechanism has been put in place for implementation of hydro projects, including a task force on hydro project development headed by the Minister of Power.

 

"Steps are also being taken for expediting project construction as well as for obtaining necessary statutory clearances from various central ministries or states for increasing the production of hydro electricity," Scindia said.

 

The current power generation capacity of the country is 2,11,766 MW and the government has set a target of adding 88,000 MW by 2017.