Bengaluru: From pioneering India’s first hydroelectric power generation in 1902 at Shivanasamudra to emerging as the country’s leading hydel powerhouse today, Karnataka’s journey in harnessing water for energy has come full circle. At a time when the nation is accelerating its transition towards clean energy, the state has reaffirmed its historic leadership with a record-breaking performance in hydroelectric power generation in 2025-26. Blending its century-old legacy infrastructure with improved efficiency, the state-owned Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd has achieved an all-time high in hydel power. Powered by bounteous monsoon in 2025 and operational efficiency, the major hydel reservoirs of Karnataka have generated a whopping 15,509 million units in the just concluded 2025-26 fiscal.Evident of Karnataka’s enduring leadership in the sector, a recent report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has revealed that the state leads the country in hydroelectric power production with an installed hydel capacity of 3.63 gigawatts — well ahead of several northern states that traditionally draw credit due to perennial rivers originating in the Himalayan ranges.Karnataka’s record output in hydel power marks a sharp rise from the previous high of 13,853 MU recorded in 2024-25, often dubbed a drought year. According to senior engineers at KPCL, the feat was achieved through a network of strategically located hydel stations — four in the Sharavathi Valley, four in the Kali Valley, two each in the Varahi and Kaveri valleys, and one each on the Krishna and Tungabhadra river systems.“The state’s achievement is indeed noteworthy considering that nearly half of these hydel generating stations — Shivanasamudra, Shimsha and Sharavathi — are among the oldest hydroelectric facilities in India. The state could achieve this feat due to sustained operational efficiency and improved maintenance practices in the face of ageing infrastructure,” explained a senior engineer from KPTCL.Gaurav Gupta, additional chief secretary of the Energy Department, said, “KPCL has strived to meet the state’s power demand. Despite some units at Shivanasamudra, Shimsha, Sharavathi and Mahatma Gandhi hydroelectric centres being among the oldest in the state, their efficiency is noteworthy. Better maintenance has enabled higher power generation.” A lion’s share of this 15,509 million units has come from the Sharavathi and Varahi valleys, which together produced 8,696 MU — the highest ever for these regions. The Sharavathi Valley alone exceeded expectations, generating 5,642 MU against a target of 4,800 MU. Similarly, the Mahatma Gandhi hydroelectric station surpassed its target by producing 643 MU against 549 MU.Similarly, the Gerusoppa station also outperformed expectations, generating 1,644 MU compared to its target of 1,060 MU, while the Varahi project recorded a substantial jump with 1,599 MU against a target of 1,060 MU. Other stations, including Bhadra, Shimsha and Mani, also exceeded their generation targets by significant margins, underlining a statewide trend of enhanced productivity. Three hydroelectric stations set new all-time records during the year. The Mahatma Gandhi power station recorded 643 MU, surpassing its earlier peak of 550 MU in 2021-22. Gerusoppa marginally improved upon its long-standing record set in 2007-08, while the Varahi project posted a strong gain over its previous best, also recorded in 2007-08.Energy minister KJ George attributed the record surge in generation to favourable monsoon conditions and improved reservoir levels, coupled with better asset management and operational efficiency across projects. “Due to significant rainfall last year and excellent maintenance of power stations, the state’s hydroelectric stations have achieved record power production,” he pointed out.
