Can Delhi’s canals become power plants? What Master Plan 2047 says on solar, hydro energy generation

Delhi’s proposed Master Plan for 2047 has outlined an unconventional route to expand the national capital’s renewable energy capacity by using existing canals and drains for solar and hydro power generation.

The Master Plan of Delhi 2047 (MPD-2047), approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) last week, has been sent to the Centre for further approval. The plan seeks to make greater use of existing infrastructure and available land to support the city’s clean-energy transition, according to news agency PTI.

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Canals, drains to generate clean energy

The draft plan proposes assessing Delhi’s canals and drains for their potential to generate renewable energy.

“Delhi has a number of canals and drains that can be utilised for harnessing solar and hydro energy as per feasibility. The concerned agencies are to leverage this potential for generation of energy as per feasibility,” the draft MPD-2047, as accessed by PTI, stated.

The proposal could allow the city to generate clean power from spaces and infrastructure that already exist, while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

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Agriculture-cum-solar farms proposed

The master plan also proposes expanding the use of greenfield areas under an ‘agriculture-cum-solar farm scheme’. The idea is to combine agricultural activities with solar power generation, allowing land to serve multiple purposes.

The plan further recommends that bus depots and metro stations meet their electricity requirements through renewable energy sources.

Push for solar power in Delhi

The renewable-energy proposals come amid a broader push by the Delhi government to increase solar generation. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta had announced a ‘green budget’ last year, promising a renewed focus on solar power generation in the capital. A separate budget allocation was also made to develop supporting infrastructure.

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The MPD-2047 therefore places renewable energy within Delhi’s longer-term urban development strategy, with agencies expected to identify and utilise viable sites based on technical and economic feasibility.

If approved by the Centre, the plan could provide Delhi with a framework to expand clean-energy generation without relying solely on conventional large-scale solar projects, while integrating renewable power into the city’s transport and urban infrastructure.