More hydro power to boost energy security: Report

NEW DELHI: Against the backdrop of coal shortages impacting the power sector, increasing hydro powergeneration capacity would help in strengthening India's energy security, says a report. Many hydro power projects are grappling with delays and cost overruns, mainly due to geological as well as geopolitical obstacles.

"Given India's tight domestic coal supply and increasing reliance on imported coal, hydro capacity provides the country with greater energy security...," HSBC Global Research, part of banking giant HSBC, said in a recent report on the Indian hydro power sector.

Going by estimates, hydro power makes up for little over 20% of the country's total installed capacity of more than 1,90,000 MW.

The hydro capacity addition was revised to about 8,200 MW from earlier target of 15,600 MW in the 11th Five-Year Plan (2007-12). However, the actual capacity added during that period is estimated to be around 5,400 MW.