India to Launch Dedicated Small-Hydro Policy for North-East

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is set to roll out a special Small-Hydro Policy aimed at accelerating renewable energy growth in India’s North-Eastern region, announced Pralhad Joshi.

Harnessing the North-East’s Hydro Potential

Speaking at a regional renewable-energy workshop in Guwahati, Joshi highlighted that the North-East has an estimated renewable-energy potential of 122 GW, yet only about 5.1 GW has been installed so far.

The new policy will specifically target the region’s hilly terrain and rich network of rivers — ideal for small-hydro development.

Why This Policy Matters

• It signals a shift beyond just solar and wind — adding more focus on small-hydro to diversify the renewable mix.

• It opens new opportunities for regional states (such as Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura) to play a larger role in national targets.

• It strengthens India’s push towards energy access and security in regions that sometimes face challenges in large-scale grid connectivity.

What’s Next for the Region

The workshop included discussions on green hydrogen, decentralised renewable systems, financing models and collaboration between the Centre, state governments and industry stakeholders.
The MNRE reiterated its commitment to providing policy and financial support to the North-East’s clean-energy ambitions.

Implications for the Renewable Sector

For companies and EPC players in the renewable space, especially those focused on hydro-electric and small-scale generation:

• This policy could unlock new project pipelines in the North-East where hydro-resources are under-utilised.

• Financing models and central support may make small-hydro projects more viable and quicker to deploy.

• Integrating solar, hydro, biomass and other renewables in regional systems will become more important.

Looking Ahead

With the launch of the Small-Hydro Policy, India is broadening its renewable energy strategy — moving beyond solar and wind to fully tap regional resources. The North-East stands to become a key frontier of growth in the country’s renewable energy story.

India has taken yet another significant stride in its clean-energy journey with the opening of the REI Expo 2025 on October 30 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida.

International Collaboration Meets Indian Ambition

The 18th edition of REI Expo is being held in tandem with The Battery Show India (TBSI), drawing more than 1,000 exhibitors and 1,400 global brands with over 55,000 professionals expected to attend.

This dual-event approach underlines the growing convergence of renewable power generation, energy storage and e-mobility as India accelerates its decarbonisation agenda.

Big Moves in Clean-Energy Infrastructure

Key announcements at the expo include:

• The Ministry of Power has approved a ₹5,400 crore viability gap funding scheme to support 30 GWh of battery energy storage projects, in addition to the 13.2 GWh already under development.

• Expected investment of around ₹33,000 crore by 2028 in energy-storage infrastructure.

• Participation from country pavilions including Germany, Belgium, China, Japan and Korea, backed by the European Union’s Cluster Collaboration Platform.

• A specialised Bio-Energy Pavilion featuring 65 companies, underlining India’s push into diversified renewable technologies.

What It Means for the Solar Sector

For companies operating in the solar EPC space, this expo confirms several major trends:

• Energy-storage solutions are becoming increasingly integral to solar deployments — the support for large-scale battery systems will enhance grid stability and solar integration.

• Domestic manufacturing, global collaboration and technology exchange are gaining momentum, which implies solar EPC firms should keep an eye on evolving supply-chains and partnerships.

• With clear signals on investment and policy backing, the solar market in India is reinforcing a long-term growth trajectory.

Looking Ahead

As India races toward its ambitious renewable targets, events like REI Expo 2025 serve both as milestones and catalysts. For the solar EPC industry, the takeaway is clear: aligning with energy-storage, diversifying into new tech and leveraging global innovation will be critical.

In this landscape, the solar sector isn’t just expanding — it’s transforming into a full-fledged ecosystem of generation, storage, manufacturing and smart deployment..

India Becomes the World’s 3rd Largest Solar Power Producer

India has achieved a remarkable milestone in renewable energy, officially becoming the third-largest solar power producer in the world. According to recent global energy reports, India generated 1,08,494 GWh of solar energy in 2023, surpassing Japan and reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future.

A Decade of Solar Transformation

Over the past decade, India has transformed from a developing solar market into a global clean energy leader. Strategic government initiatives such as the National Solar Mission, Make in India, and the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme have accelerated solar adoption nationwide.

Massive solar parks, decentralised rooftop installations, and a growing focus on energy storage solutions have all contributed to this rapid rise in solar capacity.

A Proud Moment for Bharat

This achievement is more than just a number — it reflects India’s determination to build a cleaner, greener economy. Solar energy is playing a pivotal role in reducing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, cutting carbon emissions, and creating thousands of green jobs across the country.

A Global Shift Toward Clean Energy

India now stands proudly alongside China and the United States, the world’s top solar energy producers. This milestone strengthens India’s position in the global renewable energy landscape and brings the nation a step closer to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

Powering the Future

With continuous advancements in solar technology, policy support, and private sector participation, India’s solar journey is poised to grow even stronger. The focus ahead will be on expanding grid infrastructure, promoting domestic manufacturing, and ensuring reliable, sustainable power for every citizen.

As the sun continues to shine brighter on India’s energy future, the world watches a new era of clean power unfold.