(ET)
NHPC Ltd, India’s largest hydropower company, has lined up a renewable energy pipeline exceeding 27,000 MW, including 8,193 MW of operational green capacity, 9,843 MW under construction, and another 9,030 MW under survey, its Chairman and Managing Director Raj Kumar Chaudhary said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the ET India Net Zero Forum 2025, Chaudhary said, “NHPC has 8,193 MW of green capacity in operation, 9,843 MW under construction, and 9,030 MW in survey, including pumped storage projects across Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and more — marking a major push towards net zero.”
He said India’s renewable energy capacity target of 500 GW by 2030 is achievable, adding that the government is enabling the development of green energy corridors to transmit solar power from high-potential regions like Ladakh to demand centres.
“To enable this, 50 GW of renewable bids are planned each year till 2028,” he said.
Chaudhary also flagged the challenge of maintaining grid stability due to the unpredictable nature of energy generation from wind and solar sources and stressed the need for increasing generation from alternative clean sources such as green hydrogen and biomass.
He said, “Unpredictability of energy generation via wind, solar energy is a challenge and requires ensuring grid stability as well as generation of more energy from hydrogen and biomass sources.”
Highlighting NHPC’s role in expanding cross-border clean energy partnerships, Chaudhary said, “Along with tapping India’s hydro and pumped storage potential, the government is also looking to develop hydro projects in neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan. NHPC is already working in Nepal, where hydro potential remains largely untapped.”
On the impact of hydropower on the environment, he said, “Hydro projects are often seen as reducing forest cover, but they actually help increase it. We undertake large-scale afforestation, often doubling the area used, making hydro development a key driver of vegetation and forest growth.”
He also said, “Transition to net zero defines not just our climate goals, but the future of the world’s most populous nation and a fast-growing economy. It’s not just about emissions — it’s about reimagining energy systems, industries, cities and lifestyles.”
