Hydropower Projects Set for Commissioning in 2026: Key Developments and Challenges

Several hydropower projects are scheduled for completion or commissioning in 2026, highlighting the sector's evolving priorities. These include India's Tehri Pumped Storage Project, a 1GW facility with four reversible units, which is expected to finalize commissioning by January 2026.

The 150MW Tidong project in Himachal Pradesh is anticipated to begin operations in October 2026, facing challenges related to its Himalayan location. The Shongtong-Karcham project, also in Himachal Pradesh, targets completion by November 2026.

Upgrades at the Cruachan plant in Scotland will see refurbished units come online in 2026 and 2027. The Balanga dam project in Nigeria, with a capacity of 620kW, is scheduled for commissioning in March 2026, emphasizing the challenges small projects face in grid integration.

Additionally, EDP's 3.2MW project at the Rioseco dam in Spain and the 100MW Kulanak project in Kyrgyzstan are also set for 2026, each with unique engineering considerations. The Caculo Cabaça project in Africa remains a notable large-scale project with uncertain timelines.