Top 20 Best Hydroelectric Power Generation Companies In India 2023

Hydroelectric power is a renewable source of energy that has been used for centuries to generate electricity. In India, hydroelectric power generation is a significant contributor to the country’s energy needs. India has a vast potential for hydroelectric power generation due to its numerous rivers and waterfalls. 

The government of India has taken steps to promote the use of renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power. The country has set a target of achieving 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022, and hydroelectric power is expected to play a significant role in achieving this target.

India is home to several hydroelectric power generation companies that have been providing electricity to the country for decades. These companies have the expertise and experience required to design, build, and operate hydroelectric power plants. They have also been at the forefront of developing new technologies and innovations in the field of hydroelectric power generation.

The top 20 best hydroelectric power generation companies in India are a mix of government and private entities. These companies have been selected based on their capacity, performance, and contribution to the Indian energy sector. 

The companies range from large multinational corporations to small, locally owned enterprises. They are located across the country and have a significant impact on the regions in which they operate.

The hydroelectric power generation companies in India are responsible for generating electricity from water by using turbines to convert the kinetic energy of moving water into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. 

This process is environmentally friendly and does not produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Hydroelectric power generation is a sustainable source of energy and can provide electricity to millions of people without harming the environment.

In this overview, we will take a closer look at the top 20 best hydroelectric power generation companies in India. We will explore their history, capacity, technologies, and their contribution to the Indian energy sector. 

We will also examine their plans for the future and how they are adapting to the changing energy landscape in India. Overall, this overview aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydroelectric power generation industry in India and the companies that are driving its growth.

1. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC):

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is one of India’s leading hydroelectric power generation companies. Established in 1975, NHPC is a government-owned enterprise that is responsible for planning, promoting, and organizing an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in India.

The company has a significant presence in India’s northeastern region, where it has developed several large-scale hydroelectric power projects.

Some of NHPC’s most notable projects include the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh, the 1,000 MW Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project in Jammu and Kashmir, and the 800 MW Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh.

NHPC’s portfolio of hydroelectric power projects is diverse and includes both run-of-the-river and storage-based projects. The company has a total installed capacity of over 7,000 MW, making it one of the largest hydroelectric power generation companies in India.

In addition to power generation, NHPC is also involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as consultancy and engineering services in the field of hydropower.

2. Tata Power Hydro:

Tata Power Hydro is a subsidiary of Tata Power, one of India’s largest integrated power generation and distribution companies. Established in 1983, Tata Power Hydro specializes in the development and operation of hydroelectric power projects. The company’s portfolio includes several large-scale hydroelectric power projects, including the 126 MW Dagmara Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand and the 114 MW Bhira Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra.

Tata Power Hydro has a strong focus on sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. The company has installed fish ladders and fish screens in its hydroelectric projects to ensure the safe migration of fish and has implemented several water conservation measures.

In addition, Tata Power Hydro has also undertaken several initiatives to support the local communities around its hydroelectric projects, including providing healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.

Tata Power Hydro has a total installed capacity of over 500 MW, making it one of the leading hydroelectric power generation companies in India. The company’s expertise in hydroelectric power has also enabled it to expand its operations internationally, with projects in Bhutan and Nepal.

3. GMR Energy Limited:

GMR Energy Limited is one of the leading power generation companies in India, with a strong presence in the hydroelectric power sector.

The company has a diverse portfolio of hydro projects, including the 200 MW Upper Karnali Hydroelectric Project in Nepal, the 1050 MW Kamalanga Energy Limited in Odisha, and the 1020 MW Upper Ganga Hydroelectric Project in Uttarakhand. The company is also involved in the development of several other hydro projects across the country, with a total capacity of over 3000 MW.

GMR Energy is committed to sustainable development and employs the latest technology to ensure the efficient and eco-friendly generation of power. 

The company’s hydro projects are designed to minimize the environmental impact and maximize the benefits to the local communities. The company also invests heavily in research and development to improve the efficiency and reliability of its power generation plants.

4. NTPC Hydro Limited:

NTPC Hydro Limited is a subsidiary of NTPC Limited, one of the largest power generation companies in India. The company has a strong focus on hydroelectric power and is involved in the development of several hydro projects across the country, including the 800 MW Koldam Hydroelectric Power Project in Himachal Pradesh, the 171 MW Lata Tapovan Hydroelectric Power Project in Uttarakhand, and the 60 MW Singrauli Hydroelectric Power Project in Madhya Pradesh.

NTPC Hydro is committed to sustainable development and employs the latest technology to ensure the efficient and eco-friendly generation of power. 

The company’s hydro projects are designed to minimize the environmental impact and maximize the benefits to the local communities. The company also invests heavily in research and development to improve the efficiency and reliability of its power generation plants.

NTPC Hydro is committed to contributing to the growth of the Indian power sector and to the development of the country as a whole. The company works closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of its projects and the efficient delivery of power to the consumers. 

NTPC Hydro is also committed to the welfare of its employees and the local communities, and works towards their overall development and empowerment.

5. SJVN Limited:

SJVN Limited is a joint venture between the Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh. It was established in 1988 and has since grown to become a leading hydropower company in India. 

The company is engaged in the generation and sale of hydroelectric power, as well as the development of new hydropower projects. SJVN has a total installed capacity of over 2,000 MW, and it is constantly expanding its operations. 

The company operates several hydropower projects in India, including the Nathpa Jhakri Hydro Power Station, which is the largest hydropower project in the country. SJVN is committed to sustainable development and has implemented several initiatives to protect the environment and promote social welfare.

6. Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd.:

Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd. (JPVL) is a subsidiary of the Jaypee Group, a diversified infrastructure company in India. JPVL was established in 2006 and is engaged in the generation and sale of hydropower, thermal power, and wind power. 

The company has a total installed capacity of over 4,000 MW, with most of its projects located in the northern and central parts of India. JPVL operates several hydropower projects, including the 400 MW Vishnuprayag Hydroelectric Project and the 1,000 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project. 

JPVL is committed to sustainable development and has implemented several initiatives to promote environmental protection and social welfare.

7. JSW Energy Limited:

JSW Energy Limited is a subsidiary of JSW Group, one of India’s leading business conglomerates. The company was established in 1994 and is engaged in the generation and sale of thermal power, hydropower, and renewable energy.

 JSW Energy has a total installed capacity of over 4,500 MW, with most of its projects located in the western and southern parts of India.

 The company operates several hydropower projects, including the 1,200 MW Karcham Wangtoo Hydroelectric Project and the 240 MW Baspa-II Hydroelectric Project. JSW Energy is committed to sustainable development and has implemented several initiatives to promote environmental protection and social welfare.

8. Lanco Infratech Limited:

Lanco Infratech Limited is a diversified infrastructure company in India, engaged in the development, construction, and operation of power, infrastructure, and real estate projects. The company was established in 1993 and has since grown to become one of India’s leading power generation companies.

 Lanco Infratech operates several hydropower projects in India, including the 70 MW Budhil Hydroelectric Project and the 100 MW Mawphu Hydroelectric Project. The company is committed to sustainable development and has implemented several initiatives to promote environmental protection and social welfare.

9. Jindal Power Limited:

Jindal Power Limited is a subsidiary of Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) and is one of the leading hydroelectric power generation companies in India. The company operates the Tamnar II and III hydroelectric power plants in Chhattisgarh, with a combined capacity of 1300 MW.

 Jindal Power has a dedicated team of professionals who ensure the smooth functioning of its hydroelectric power plants. The company’s hydroelectric power plants generate clean energy and contribute to the country’s sustainable development.

10. Bhilwara Energy Limited:

Bhilwara Energy Limited (BEL) is a subsidiary of the LNJ Bhilwara Group and is one of the leading hydroelectric power generation companies in India. The company operates the 144 MW Chamera III hydroelectric power plant in Himachal Pradesh. 

BEL has a team of experienced professionals who ensure the smooth functioning of the hydroelectric power plant. The company has implemented various measures to ensure the efficient and sustainable operation of the plant.

BEL is committed to the sustainable development of the country and its hydroelectric power plants generate clean energy that contributes to reducing the country’s carbon footprint. The company has been recognized for its efforts in promoting sustainable development and has received various awards and accolades for its performance.

11. Adani Power Limited: 

Adani Power Limited is a subsidiary of the Adani Group, one of the largest conglomerates in India. The company has a diversified portfolio of power projects, including thermal, solar, and wind power plants, and is also involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity. 

Adani Power’s hydroelectric power projects include the 50 MW Baspa-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh and the 1,200 MW Tiroda Hydroelectric Project in Maharashtra.

The company is also involved in the development of pumped storage hydroelectric projects, which are increasingly seen as a critical component in integrating intermittent renewable energy sources into the grid.

12. Reliance Power Limited:

 Reliance Power Limited is part of the Reliance Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates. The company has a significant presence in the power generation industry, with a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydroelectric, and renewable energy projects.

Its hydroelectric power projects include the 100 MW Butibori Hydroelectric Power Project in Maharashtra and the 960 MW Sasan Ultra Mega Power Project in Madhya Pradesh. The company has also been involved in the development of several other hydroelectric projects, including the 700 MW HEP in Arunachal Pradesh and the 650 MW Shri Singaji Thermal Power Project in Madhya Pradesh.

13. The Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project:

 This is one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in India, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is owned by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and has a capacity of 330 MW. 

The Kishanganga River, a tributary of the Jhelum River, is the source of power generation. The project has three units of 110 MW each and is expected to generate 1,350 million units of electricity annually.

14. The Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project:

This is another major hydroelectric power project in India located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The project is owned by the Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation and has a capacity of 900 MW.

 The project uses the Chenab River as the source of power generation and has two power stations with four units of 225 MW each. The project is expected to generate around 3,500 million units of electricity annually.

15. The Sardar Sarovar Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station:

 This project is located on the Narmada River in the state of Gujarat and is owned by the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL). The project has a capacity of 1,450 MW and uses the height of the dam to generate power.

The power station has six units of 200 MW each and is expected to generate around 7,000 million units of electricity annually.

16. The Idukki Hydroelectric Power Project:

The Idukki Hydroelectric Power Project is one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in India, situated in Kerala. The project is operated by the Kerala State Electricity Board and generates around 780 MW of power.

 The power plant has three generators, each with a capacity of 130 MW. The project was commissioned in 1975 and has been operating successfully ever since.

17. The Nathpa Jhakri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station:

The Nathpa Jhakri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Himachal Pradesh and is the largest hydroelectric power plant in India. The project was completed in 2004 and generates 1,500 MW of power. 

The dam is 185 meters tall and 512 meters long and has a storage capacity of 4.2 billion cubic meters. The project is a joint venture between the Government of India, Himachal Pradesh, and the Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited.

18. The Tehri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station:

The Tehri Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Uttarakhand and is one of the largest hydroelectric power projects in India. The dam is 260 meters tall and generates 2,400 MW of power. 

The project was completed in 2006 and is a joint venture between the Government of India, the Government of Uttarakhand, and the Tehri Hydro Development Corporation India Limited.

19. The Upper Sileru Hydroelectric Power Project:

The Upper Sileru Hydroelectric Power Project is located in Andhra Pradesh and is operated by the Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation. The project was commissioned in 1976 and generates around 240 MW of power.

 The project has three generators, each with a capacity of 80 MW. The dam is 49 meters tall and has a storage capacity of 81 million cubic meters.

20. The Hirakud Dam and Hydroelectric Power Station: 

This project is located on the Mahanadi River in the state of Odisha and is owned by the Hirakud Power Company Private Limited. The project has a capacity of 307.5 MW and uses the height of the dam to generate power. 

The power station has three units of 37.5 MW each and is expected to generate around 1,380 million units of electricity annually.