MNRE launches guidelines for Small Hydro Power Development Scheme

New Delhi: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on Tuesday launched guidelines for its Small Hydro Power (SHP) Development Scheme aimed at accelerating the growth of the sector and supporting the installation of around 1,500 MW of new capacity across the country.

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The guidelines were unveiled by MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi (IAS) during a national workshop attended by representatives from state governments, public sector undertakings, developers, technical institutions and industry stakeholders.

With a total financial outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore, the scheme will provide Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for SHP projects, support for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), capacity building, technical assistance, awareness generation and project monitoring.

Addressing the workshop, Sarangi said small hydro power is a mature and sustainable renewable energy technology that can play a key role in strengthening energy security, supporting rural development and promoting balanced regional growth. He noted that while India has an estimated small hydro power potential of around 21 GW, only a fraction has been harnessed so far.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) Managing Director Akash Tripathi, highlighted the role of small hydro projects in diversifying India's renewable energy mix and reaffirmed SECI's commitment to implementing the scheme as the National Programme Implementing Agency (NPIA).

During the workshop, officials also demonstrated the online SHP Portal, developed with support from National Informatics Centre (NIC), which will serve as the digital platform for project registration, approvals, monitoring, fund disbursement and grievance redressal.

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As per the official statement. the scheme is expected to unlock untapped hydro potential, particularly in hilly and northeastern regions, while contributing to India's broader clean energy transition and sustainable development goals.

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