SRINAGAR: Despite Jammu and Kashmir’s substantial hydropower potential of 14,867 megawatts (MW), only a fraction — 3,540 MW — has been harnessed so far, with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) accounting for a significant share of 2,250 MW.
The Jammu and Kashmir Government informed the Legislative Assembly on Saturday that the Union Territory has an estimated hydropower potential of 18,000 MW, out of which 14,867 MW has been identified.
In a written reply to a question from MLA Eidgah, the Minister in-charge of the Power Development Department, Omar Abdullah, stated that 11,283 MW has been identified in the Chenab Valley, 3,084 MW in the Jhelum basin, and 500 MW in the Ravi basin.
The minister noted that out of the 3,540.15 MW harnessed to date, 2,250 MW was developed in the central sector, 1,197.4 MW in the UT sector, and 92.75 MW by Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
J&K has 31 power projects, with NHPC managing six projects, the J and K State Power Development Corporation overseeing 13, and Independent Power Producers handling 12 projects. (KNO)
