With the growing importance of climate action and countries committing to reach net zero emissions and carbon neutrality in the next 30 to 50 years, it has become imperative for countries across the globe to look at alternative sources of energy production. The generation of hydroelectricity has definitely emerged as one such source of clean energy.
Bhutan is the world’s first and only, carbon-negative country thanks to its focus on clean energy and environmental protection. India has immensely supported the government to make the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project a reality which was handed over in December 2022. The North-Eastern states of India are similar to Bhutan in resources and topography and will benefit from gaining a perspective of the pros and cons of hydropower generation.
The Brahmaputra River accounts for nearly 30 percent of India’s freshwater resources and about 44 percent of its total hydropower potential. Official figures reveal that the North-East has a hydro potential of about 58,000 MW, out of which 2027 MW. India should keenly look towards the success of commissioning several hydropower projects in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. It should also be noted that within Asia, even China has focused upon hydroelectric power generation as they aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2060.
