Delhi Plans Solar, Hydro Power Generation from Canals and Drains Under MPD-2047

The Master Plan of Delhi for 2047 (MPD 2047) has proposed using the national capital’s existing canals and drains to generate renewable energy, as part of a broader strategy to expand clean power generation within the city.

The draft plan, recently approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), has been sent to the Centre for further approval. It calls for agencies responsible for canals and drains to assess their potential for solar and hydro power generation and utilise the available resources wherever technically feasible.

The plan also proposes expanding the use of greenfield areas under Delhi’s agriculture cum solar farm scheme. Under the approach, suitable agricultural and green development areas could be used for solar power projects, creating an additional avenue for renewable energy generation within the city.

One of the specific opportunities being explored is the installation of solar panels along the Najafgarh drain. According to officials, a project is currently being considered for a six kilometre stretch of the drain between Dhansa Border and Ghummanhera. The proposal is in line with the broader MPD 2047 strategy of leveraging existing infrastructure for clean energy generation.

The master plan further recommends greater deployment of rooftop solar on government buildings and institutional campuses. Buildings and institutional facilities with rooftop areas exceeding 500 square metres are proposed to install solar panels in accordance with the Delhi Solar Policy.

The plan also seeks to increase renewable energy use across major public infrastructure. Airports, metro stations, railway stations, inter state and city bus depots, stadiums and other large public facilities may progressively meet their electricity requirements through solar and other renewable energy sources, subject to feasibility.

Delhi’s existing Solar Energy Policy 2023 aims to increase rooftop solar capacity in the capital to 750 MW while also enabling access to 3,750 MW of utility scale solar capacity from outside Delhi. The policy provides capital subsidies and generation based incentives to encourage solar adoption among consumers.

Under the policy, residential consumers can receive a Delhi government capital subsidy of INR 2,000 per kW, capped at INR 10,000 per consumer, in addition to central financial assistance available under the national rooftop solar programme. The policy also promotes models such as community solar, peer to peer electricity trading and RESCO arrangements.

Beyond renewable generation, MPD -2047 proposes strengthening Delhi’s electricity transmission infrastructure. It recommends developing an underground transmission network within road cross sections across the city in phases, with land pooling areas identified as a priority.

The proposals reflect Delhi’s broader effort to increase renewable energy deployment, reduce dependence on conventional power sources and integrate clean energy generation into urban infrastructure.