Capacity for renewable energy in India hits 42,850 mw; surpasses capacity of hydel projects

India's quest for green energy has crossed a major milestone, with renewable plants, mainly wind and solar, surpassing the capacity of large hydroelectricity projects, which were once the country's biggest source of electricity and regarded as "temples of modern India". According to Mr Shirish S Garud, Director, Energy Environment Technology Division, TERI, there is a perception that hydropower is neither environmentally friendly nor economically viable. Hydropower has become an activists' target. Benefits have to be weighed against negative aspects," he said.