NEW DELHI, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- India says the country's hydroelectric potential is about 148,700 megawatts.
"As per the reassessment studies completed by the Central Electricity Authority, the hydroelectric potential of the country in terms of installed capacity has been estimated to be about 148,700 MW," Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde told Indian Parliament Tuesday.
He said a capacity of 30,951.5 MW, which is 20.18 percent, has already been developed; 14,951 MW was in operation and pumped storage schemes of 1,925 MW were under construction.
"About 69.13 percent of the identified potential is yet to be developed," Shinde said.
He said the policy on hydropower development announced in 1998 lays emphasis on basin-wise development, evolving consensus on inter-state issues, mitigation of geological risks, simplified procedures for transfer of clearances and promoting joint-venture agreements.
"The policy also lays emphasis on increasing private investment in the power sector through independent power producers and joint ventures," he said. "The Electricity Act, 2003, has also created a conducive environment for investments in all segments of the industry both for public sector and private sector by removing barriers to entry."
