Telangana fails to install even a single small hydro power project in 2024-25

Raises questions on government’s commitment to green power initiatives; a potential for 94 SHP projects with a cumulative capacity of 102.25 MW was identified in the State

Hyderabad: In sharp contrast to the Telangana government’s claims of promoting green energy, the State has recorded zero installations of small hydro power (SHP) projects in 2024-25, with not a single project under implementation.

The data was revealed in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s annual report for 2024-25. According to the report, 12 SHP projects with a total capacity of 97.30 MW were installed across the country, and 90 projects with a capacity of 439.90 MW were under implementation as on December 31, 2024.

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The Ministry is responsible for developing hydro power projects up to 25 MW, classified as SHP projects. These are generally designed to cater to the power needs of remote and isolated regions, while also creating employment opportunities for local communities. SHP projects are further categorised into small, mini, and micro hydel units based on their capacity, and are being taken up by both public and private sector players.

In Telangana, a potential for 94 SHP projects with a cumulative capacity of 102.25 MW was identified. Till 2023-24, 30 projects with a combined capacity of 90.87 MW were commissioned in the State. However, in the current financial year (up to December 31, 2024), not a single project has been installed or is under implementation, raising questions about the State’s actual commitment to green power initiatives through hydel modes.

Interestingly, the neighbouring State of Andhra Pradesh has one project under implementation with a capacity of 1.20 MW. Karnataka reported one new installation of 4 MW and five ongoing projects with a total capacity of 12.45 MW, according to the same report.