The creation of a ‘single-window’ facility for speedy clearance of small hydro projects is being considered by India’s Parliamentary Sub-Committee on Non-Conventional Energy Sources. The sub-committee believes private sector participation could be encouraged by this step.

The subcommittee was meeting with Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB), after inspecting small hydro developments in Tamil Nadu, which has the potential to develop 198MW from 314 mini hydro projects. The subcommittee was told that another 15 small hydro projects would be implemented under the ninth Five Year Plan. Out of the 7000MW generated in Tamil Nadu, nearly half came from thermal stations, about 2000MW from 29 hydro stations and 720MW from wind farms.