It takes a long lead time to start hydropower projects. It’s a key challenge, and delays are due to the process involved in obtaining forest, environmental, and right-of-way clearances. These factors adversely impact timely project execution. 

This was said by Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). He has extended a warm invitation to participate in large numbers in the forthcoming Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026.

He added that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been assured by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) of timely clearances, particularly for small hydropower projects; a mechanism should be developed to generate and escalate alerts in cases of undue delays.

Emphasising the need to improve the bankability of small hydropower projects, the Secretary said that their unique cash-flow profile necessitates access to long-term patient capital. He urged the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) to take the lead in working with banks and multilateral development institutions, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, to facilitate greater availability of patient capital for project developers.

He urged the stakeholders to share their ideas and experiences and suggest what else could be done to promote hydropower, particularly small hydropower, in the country.