Odisha Accelerates Small Hydro Power Expansion
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified efforts to harness small hydro power as part of India’s renewable energy push.
At a high‑level stakeholder dialogue, officials discussed strategies to implement the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s ₹2,584.60 crore scheme (2026–27 to 2030–31), which targets 1,500 MW capacity through nearly 200 projects.
India’s estimated small hydro potential stands at 21,133 MW, but only 5,171 MW has been tapped so far.
Odisha, with 11% of the nation’s surface water resources, aims to diversify its largely thermal‑based portfolio by utilising irrigation canals and existing water flows for hydro projects, minimising land acquisition challenges.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasised the environmental and infrastructural benefits, while Additional Chief Secretary Vishal Dev highlighted the need for robust regulatory and financial frameworks to make projects bankable.
The state has already approved ₹16,000 crore for transmission infrastructure, including three new 765‑kV networks to integrate renewable energy into the grid.
A renewable energy banking agreement was signed to streamline site selection, clearances, and community benefit‑sharing.
Senior officials from the Energy Department, GRIDCO, OPTCL, and iFOREST participated in the dialogue, underscoring Odisha’s commitment to building a sustainable energy ecosystem.
