Global Hydropower Developments and India's Position

Overview and Global Context

India aims to develop 100 gigawatts of pumped storage hydropower capacity by 2035-36, as per the 2026 Global Hydropower Outlook released by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). This target, however, is modest compared to China's ambitious hydropower plans.

Current Hydropower Capacity

• In 2025, India added 4,267 megawatts of hydropower, leading Central and South Asian countries.
• India's total installed hydropower capacity is 56,336 MW, surpassing Russia and Iran.

China's Hydropower Leadership

• China began construction on the Yarlung Zangbo River Hydropower Project, expected to produce thrice the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam.
• The project is a part of China's strategy to enhance hydropower capacity, with over 300 GW under construction.

India's Strategic Hydropower Projects

• India is developing the 11,000 MW Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China's Yarlung Tsangpo project.
• This project aims to manage water flow and mitigate flood risks from sudden water diversions by China.

Regional Hydropower Developments

• East Asia and the Pacific region generated 1,854 TWh of electricity from hydropower in 2025.
• The region added 14 GW of new hydropower capacity, including 7,605 MW of pumped storage.

Global Trends in Hydropower and Energy Storage

• Pumped storage capacity globally surpassed 200 GW, becoming the largest source of long-duration energy storage.
• A record-breaking 11.7 GW of pumped storage was added in 2025.

Strategic Shifts in Energy Policy

• Countries are focusing on long-duration storage and resilient domestic generation due to geopolitical tensions and the need for energy security.
• Hydropower and pumped storage offer critical flexibility and reliability for renewable energy systems.

Regional Integration and Infrastructure Development

• The ASEAN Power Grid initiative is advancing regional energy integration in Southeast Asia.
• Countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia are positioning as regional hydropower exporters with new transmission and cable projects.

Case Studies

• South Korea resumed construction of major pumped storage projects, such as the 500 MW Yeongdong Pumped Storage Plant.
• Countries like the Philippines, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam are progressing with significant pumped storage projects.