India Hydropower Production Drops Fourth Month Amid Weak Monsoon

Hydropower generation in India is projected to decline for a fourth consecutive month as a strengthening El Nino weakens the monsoon season. Data from the power ministry indicates that electricity production from hydro projects fell nearly 12 percent year-over-year through August 29.

Rainfall in August was more than 16 percent below the long-period average, contributing to a 14 percent deficit for the rainy season to date. This shortfall has depleted soil moisture and reservoir levels while maintaining elevated temperatures, which has forced farmers to increase electricity consumption for irrigation.

To address the resulting supply gaps, the Government of India extended an emergency rule to keep a large coal-fired power plant operational through the rainy season. While hydropower accounts for nearly 11 percent of the nation's total generation capacity, growth in the sector has slowed due to its dependence on weather patterns and the complexities of dam construction.