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J&K Boasts 32 Hydropower Plants, 3,540 MW Capacity; 8 New Projects Planned

The Jammu and Kashmir government has informed the Legislative Assembly that the Union Territory currently operates 32 hydropower projects with a total installed capacity of 3,540.15 megawatts. These projects are distributed across the Central Sector, State Sector, and Independent Power Producers. An additional capacity of 3,704.5 MW is planned through eight new projects expected to be completed between 2026-27 and 2030-31. However, the 40 MW Ans (Nandoli) Hydroelectric Project faces cancellation due to being deemed economically unviable following delays and a default notice issued to the IPP.

Key Points: J&K Hydropower Capacity: 32 Projects, 3,540 MW, New Additions by 2031

  • 32 operational hydropower projects
  • 3,540.15 MW total installed capacity
  • 8 new projects to add 3,704.5 MW by 2030-31
  • 40 MW Nandoli project declared unviable
  • Delays due to IPP non-performance
2 min read

J&K govt has 32 operational hydropower projects with 3,540.15 MWs installed capacity

J&K government reports 32 operational hydropower projects with 3,540.15 MW capacity. 8 new projects to add 3,704.5 MW by 2030-31.

J&K govt has 32 operational hydropower projects with 3,540.15 MWs installed capacity
"An additional power capacity of 3,704.5 MW is expected to be added through eight new hydropower projects - J&K Government"

Jammu, Feb 9

Jammu and Kashmir government said on Monday that the UT has 32 operational hydropower projects with 3,540.15 megawatts of installed capacity.

The Omar Abdullah-led NC government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Union Territory has 32 operational hydropower projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 3,540.15 megawatts (MW) across Jammu and Kashmir.

A written reply to a starred question raised by MLA, Khurshid Ahmad and tabled in the House by the Minister incharge of the Power Development Department, said, out of the total operational capacity, 13 projects with a combined capacity of 1,197 MW are in the Central Sector, 6 projects with 2,250 MW capacity are in the State Sector, while 13 projects with an aggregate capacity of 72.75 MW are being operated by Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The government further stated that an additional power capacity of 3,704.5 MW is expected to be added through eight new hydropower projects that are proposed or currently under construction in the Union Territory over the next five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.

Responding to a query regarding the Ans (Nandoli) Hydroelectric Project in Gulabgarh constituency, the government confirmed that the 40 MW project was tendered during 2011-12 and formally allotted in November 2012, with the implementation agreement executed in March 2013.

However, the project has faced prolonged delays due to non-performance by the Independent Power Producer (IPP). The government said a notice of default was issued to the IPP in August 2025, following which the Detailed Project Report and financial analysis were submitted.

The financial assessment indicated that the project would require a 40-year levelized tariff of Rs 7.30 per unit, rendering it technically and economically unviable under prevailing market conditions.

The IPP has sought exit from the project along with a refund of the deposited premium, citing external factors and policy-related constraints.

The matter is presently under consideration by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDCL) in accordance with the provisions of the implementation agreement and the Hydro Electric Power Policy, 2011, the government added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see the numbers, but what about the actual power supply to villages? My relatives in Kupwara still face 8-10 hour cuts in winter. Installed capacity is one thing, reliable distribution is another. The government must focus on the last-mile delivery.
V
Vikram M
The Nandoli project saga is a classic case study in how not to execute infrastructure projects. Tendered in 2011-12 and still stuck! Rs. 7.30 per unit is simply not viable. We need better oversight and accountability for IPPs. Taxpayers' money and time are being wasted.
S
Sarah B
As someone interested in sustainable energy, this is impressive. Hydropower is clean and renewable. The planned addition of ~3700 MW is significant. Hope the environmental impact on the Himalayan ecology is carefully assessed though. Development and conservation must go hand in hand.
R
Rohit P
More than 80% of the current operational capacity is in Central and State sectors. This shows the importance of government investment in critical infrastructure. Private players (IPPs) seem to have a very small share and, as the Nandoli case shows, can be unreliable.
K
Karthik V
This can be a game-changer for local employment and industry in J&K. Stable and affordable power will attract investment. But the authorities must learn from past mistakes. Strict timelines and penalty clauses for contractors are a must. Jai Hind!

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