The report was published by International Hydropower Association (IHA), a non-profit membership organisation.
Key Highlights of the Report
- Global hydropower capacity: Reached 1,469 GW in 2025.
- Global Pumped storage capacity: Surpassed 200 GW for the first time (world’s largest source of long-duration energy storage)
- It is on track to double over the next 10 years.
- China: Accounts for over 40% of worldwide hydropower capacity additions in 2025.
- India: Added over 4GW of new hydropower capacity in 2025, surpassing Russia to become the world's 5th largest country for total installed hydropower capacity.
About Pumped Hydro Storage
- It is a large-scale electricity storage technology that stores energy in the form of gravitational potential energy of water, using two reservoirs at different elevations.
- Benefits: Grid stability and peak-load management
- Challenges:
- High upfront capital and long gestation periods.
- Delays in regulatory clearances (land acquisition, forest, and environmental approvals).
- Seasonal water stress may affect project viability in some regions.
Status of Pumped Storage Hydropower in India
- Potential: 288 GW (Central Electricity Authority (CEA) estimates)
- Operational Capacity: 10 projects with 7.425 GW capacity are commissioned and operational
- India’s targets: 100 GW by 2035-36.
India’s Efforts towards Pumped Hydro Storage
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