NHPC to double capacity to 15 GW in five years

NHPC is on track to more than double its installed capacity to 15,000 MW over the next four to five years. The company is working on 16 projects totalling 10,692 MW, with nine hydro projects (9,314 MW) and seven solar projects (1,378 MW). Of the hydro projects, eight will be commissioned by FY29, adding 6,434 MW to NHPC’s capacity.

NHPC is expanding into solar energy under the central public sector undertaking scheme, with 1,378 MW of solar projects nearing completion and an additional 1,545 MW in the pipeline, including a 300 MW floating solar project in Odisha.

The company is also developing pumped hydro storage projects (PSPs) with a portfolio of 11,240 MW across five states, including Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. Of these, 4,350 MW are in the pre-feasibility stage, 4,390 MW are in detailed project report (DPR) preparation, and 2,500 MW are under preliminary feasibility review (PFR).

NHPC recently received Navratna status and will benefit from the Cabinet-approved financial assistance to northeastern states, allowing them to hold up to a 24% equity stake in hydro projects developed via joint ventures with the Centre. This scheme, with an outlay of Rs 41.36 billion, will be implemented between FY25 and FY32.