FAST READ
- India's assessed Small Hydro Power potential is around 21 GW.
- More than 7,100 sites have been identified.
- SHP can support decentralised generation, remote-area development and grid flexibility.
WHY IN NEWS
- MNRE highlighted Small Hydro Power ahead of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit & Expo 2026.
- The discussion is relevant to a diversified renewable mix beyond solar and wind.
TOP DATA & FACTS
- India's assessed SHP potential is around 21 GW.
- More than 7,100 potential sites have been identified.
- In Indian policy, small hydro generally refers to projects up to 25 MW.
- SHP is a renewable-energy technology under MNRE.
- Run-of-river designs may require less storage than large reservoir projects.
- Hydropower can complement variable solar and wind generation.
- Mountain ecosystems are environmentally sensitive despite the small project size.
- Cumulative impacts matter when many projects occur in one river basin.
- Local employment and decentralised supply are potential benefits.
- Environmental flows and sediment connectivity remain important safeguards.
PRELIMS
- Small Hydro Power is administered as a renewable-energy segment by MNRE.
- Hydropower converts the potential/kinetic energy of water into electricity.
- Small size does not mean zero ecological impact.
QUICK REVISION
- India's assessed SHP potential is around 21 GW.
- More than 7,100 potential sites have been identified.
- Small Hydro Power is administered as a renewable-energy segment by MNRE.
PROBABLE OBJECTIVE QUESTION
With reference to the above topic, consider the following statements:
- India generally classifies hydro projects up to 25 MW as Small Hydro Power.
- SHP can contribute to decentralised generation.
- Every SHP project necessarily requires a large storage reservoir. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:
(a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect; many SHP projects can use run-of-river configurations. Ask CurrentPulse AI - Prelims Small Hydro Power: Decentralised Renewable Energy for Remote and Mountain Regions Energy, Environment GS III 10 Sep 2026 Read highlighted facts first