Small Hydro Power Development Scheme
Why in News?
The Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme is in the news because the Union Cabinet has recently approved a dedicated scheme for FY 2026‑27 to FY 2030‑31 to boost small‑scale hydropower, especially in hilly and North‑Eastern states, as part of India’s push for clean, decentralised energy and energy security.
Project Scope and Targets
- Definition: Projects with a capacity of 1 MW to 25 MW are classified as Small Hydro Power (SHP).
- Capacity Target: Aims to install approximately 1,500 MW of new capacity.
- Duration: Set for implementation from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
- Nodal Ministry: Managed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Financial Support (CFA)
The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance based on location and project cost:
- NE & Border Districts: ₹3.6 crore per MW (or 30% of cost), capped at ₹30 crore per project.
- Other States: ₹2.4 crore per MW (or 20% of cost), capped at ₹20 crore per project.
- DPR Support: ₹30 crore is set aside to help agencies prepare Detailed Project Reports for 200 future projects.
Economic and Environmental Impact
- Investment: Expected to catalyze private investment worth ₹15,000 crore.
- Employment: Projected to generate 51 lakh person-days of work during construction.
- Technology: Focuses on Run-of-the-River systems that use natural water flow, avoiding large dams and massive deforestation.
- Atmanirbhar Bharat: Mandates 100% indigenous plant and machinery to boost domestic manufacturing.
Strategic Significance
- Decentralized Power: Reduces transmission losses by generating power close to consumption centres in remote areas.
- Stable Energy: Unlike solar or wind, small hydro provides a consistent, round-the-clock (RTC) power supply.
- Potential: India has an estimated untapped potential of 21,133 MW across 7,133 sites, with half concentrated in hilly states like Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
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