Hydroelectric power in India

[4] In the fiscal year 2019–20, the total hydroelectric power generated in India was 156 TWh (excluding small hydro) with an average capacity factor of 38.71%.

As a result, the country's reliance on coal increased, with hydro generation reaching a five-year low of 146 billion kWh.

Consequently, hydroelectric power's role in the Indian energy mix is diminishing, with its reliability questioned due to erratic weather patterns.

The private sector is also expected to grow with the development of hydroelectric energy in the Himalayan mountain ranges and in the northeast of India.

[14] BBMB is a major source of peaking power and black start capability to the northern grid in India and its large reservoirs provide wide operational flexibility.

BBMB reservoirs also supply water for the irrigation of 12.5 million acres (51,000 km2; 19,500 sq mi) of agricultural land in partner states, enabling the green revolution in the northern India.

The pumped storage schemes also contribute secondary, seasonal power at no additional cost when rivers are flooded with excess water.

[16][17] Another 2780 MW capacity is under construction as of December 2023 [18] In a tropical country like India, abundant water for agriculture is needed due to a very high annual evaporation rate.