India’s Ambitious Hydroelectric Initiative Amidst China’s Upstream Developments
Published on: October 13, 2025, 05:23 PM IST
India’s Strategic Hydroelectric Expansion
NEW DELHI – In a bold move to address the growing energy needs, India’s Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has unveiled a comprehensive plan to develop hydroelectric power. This initiative, valued at approximately $77 billion, aims to harness over 76 gigawatts of energy from the Brahmaputra basin by 2047.
Hydroelectric Potential in the Northeast
The CEA’s report highlights 208 major hydro projects across 12 sub-basins in the northeastern states, with a potential capacity of 64.9 GW, supplemented by 11.1 GW from pumped-storage facilities. The Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet and flowing through India and Bangladesh, offers significant hydroelectric opportunities, especially in Arunachal Pradesh near the Chinese border.
Geopolitical and Environmental Considerations
The transboundary nature of the Brahmaputra and its proximity to China pose strategic challenges. India is concerned that China’s dam on the Yarlung Zangbo, the river’s upper course, could significantly reduce water flow during dry seasons, impacting India’s water management strategies.
Investment and Development Phases
The Brahmaputra basin, covering regions like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal, holds over 80% of India’s untapped hydro potential, with Arunachal Pradesh alone contributing 52.2 GW. The plan’s first phase, extending to 2035, requires an investment of 1.91 trillion rupees, while the second phase demands 4.52 trillion rupees.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Goals
Projects are being allocated to central public sector utilities such as NHPC, NEEPCO, and SJVN, with several already underway. India’s broader goal is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, aiming for 500 GW of non-fossil power generation by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
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