India stands at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. With rapidly rising energy demand driven by economic growth, urbanization, and industrial expansion, the Indian power sector must simultaneously ensure energy security, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Increasing impacts of climate change, continued dependence on fossil fuel imports, and the need for long-term energy resilience have reinforced the importance of renewable energy in India’s power sector.
In this context, India’s commitments announced at COP-26 to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity by 2030 and to attain Net Zero emissions by 2070 underscore the urgent need to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy and explore emerging and alternative energy resources.
Need for Renewable Energy and Exploration of New Energy Sectors
Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and pumped storage not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance grid stability, energy independence, and system reliability. In addition to conventional renewable sources, emerging energy sectors including Pumped Storage Hydropower, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Geothermal Energy, Green Hydrogen, and Small Hydro Power Projects etc. are gaining strategic importance.
These technologies have the potential to address the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy, enable the identification and utilization of untapped energy resource hotspots, and support round-the-clock power supply. A diversified and integrated energy mix incorporating these solutions will be essential for India to achieve its Net Zero target while sustaining economic growth and development.
Recent Contributions of THDC India Limited in the Renewable Energy Sector
As a leading Public Sector Undertaking in the power sector, THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has been actively contributing to India’s renewable energy ambitions. With its strong foundation in hydropower development, THDCIL has progressively diversified its portfolio in alignment with national energy priorities and clean energy goals.
THDCIL commissioned India’s first 4×250 MW Variable Speed Pumped Storage Project (PSP) at Tehri, marking a pioneering milestone in the country’s power sector. This project significantly enhances grid flexibility and renewable energy integration. In addition, THDCIL is actively pursuing the development of several pumped storage projects across various locations in India.
THDCIL has also successfully commissioned a 16MWp / 11MWac Floating Solar Power Plant on the raw water reservoir of the 1,320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Project in Khurja, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative optimizes land utilization and reduces water evaporation by approximately 60–70%, demonstrating innovative and sustainable project design.
In line with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, THDCIL has successfully implemented a Green Hydrogen pilot project at THDCIL , Rishikesh Office Complex comprising a 300 kW water electrolyser and a 70 kW fuel cell, reinforcing its commitment to next-generation clean energy technologies.
THDCIL has developed Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations along the Char Dham Yatra route in Uttarakhand, supporting green mobility and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Further, under the “PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana,” THDCIL has installed 595 kW of rooftop solar capacity across various THDCIL office buildings, contributing to decentralized renewable generation and a reduced carbon footprint.
THDCIL remains keen to explore additional renewable and emerging energy sectors such as Battery Energy Storage Systems, Geothermal Energy, advanced nuclear technologies, and other cutting-edge solutions, with the objective of delivering clean and reliable power to the national grid. These initiatives reflect the organization’s strategic focus on expanding non-hydro renewable capacity and leveraging its technical expertise for sustainable development.
Future Opportunities for THDC India Limited
India has an estimated Small Hydro Power (SHP) potential of around 21,134 MW spread across more than 7,000 identified sites; however, as of early 2024, only around 4,800 MW has been exploited. The country’s geography particularly the Himalayan states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Western Ghats in Kerala and Karnataka, along with canal systems and dam toes in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh offers ample scope for SHP development. Despite this, the sector has not witnessed commensurate growth compared to solar and wind, primarily due to regulatory, financial, and logistical challenges.
This gap between potential and installed capacity presents a significant opportunity to develop scalable, community-based, and grid-connected SHP systems. It also aligns with India’s commitments to renewable energy expansion under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) promotes Small Hydro Power Projects through policy support and incentives. SHP projects generally have a lower environmental impact compared to large dams, require shorter construction timelines, and contribute to local employment generation and rural electrification. Despite challenges such as high initial costs and site-specific constraints, small hydro remains an important component of India’s renewable energy mix.
In line with MNRE guidelines and incentive support for SHP, THDCIL is exploring opportunities for the development of small hydro power projects, particularly on canal systems in Uttar Pradesh.
THDCIL is also exploring opportunities to acquire hydropower projects through the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). In addition to domestic opportunities, THDCIL is evaluating international business prospects, particularly in Kyrgyzstan, for the development of hydropower projects, thereby expanding its global footprint and technical collaboration.
From a business development perspective, THDC India Limited remains firmly committed to aligning its growth strategy with India’s national climate commitments and long-term energy transition goals. By expanding its renewable energy footprint across large hydropower projects, small hydro, pumped storage, and other energy storage technologies, and by exploring emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and nuclear power, THDCIL aims to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, resilient, and future-ready power sector.
Through innovation, strategic diversification, and responsible development, THDC India Limited continues to contribute meaningfully to India’s journey toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070.
