Hydroelectric Power — Tech Evolutions

Entry	Year	Description	Impact
N/A (Act)	2003	The Electricity Act, 2003, consolidated various laws relating to electricity generation, transmission, distribution, trading, and use. It introduced significant reforms, including de-licensing generation, promoting competition, and mandating Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs).	Transformed the Indian power sector, promoting private sector participation in generation, including hydroelectric power. It provided a regulatory framework for grid operation and facilitated the integration of renewable energy, including small hydro, through RPOs. This act is foundational for understanding the current energy landscape.
N/A (Policy Shift)	2019	The Ministry of Power declared large hydroelectric projects (above 25 MW) as 'renewable energy' projects. Previously, only small hydro projects (up to 25 MW) were considered renewable.	This policy shift aimed to provide a boost to the struggling large hydro sector by making it eligible for various incentives and benefits available to other renewable energy sources, such as Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and priority lending. It recognized the clean and sustainable nature of hydropower, despite its environmental challenges, and its crucial role in grid balancing.
N/A (Policy Shift)	2024 (Proposed/Ongoing)	National Mission on Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and updated guidelines for small hydro. These initiatives aim to streamline clearances, provide financial incentives, and promote the development of PSPs and SHPs.	Expected to significantly accelerate the development of pumped storage capacity, crucial for grid stability and integration of variable renewables. New SHP guidelines aim to promote decentralized generation and minimize environmental impacts, making small hydro more viable for rural electrification and sustainable development.