NHPC Limited expanded its renewable energy portfolio by adding 1,850 MW of capacity during FY26, driven by significant hydro and solar project completions. The hydropower utility submitted its Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, disclosing that 1,550 MW of hydro capacity came online from the Parbati-II (800 MW) and Subansiri Lower (750 MW) projects. Additionally, the company commissioned 300 MW of solar capacity. This expansion supports NHPC’s long-term target of achieving 38,500 MW by FY2033–34 and becoming a 50,000 MW entity by 2047. With 9,454 MW of renewable energy projects currently under construction, the firm is accelerating its transition toward a diversified clean energy mix while maintaining operational safety with zero fatalities for the third consecutive year.

The report was filed pursuant to Regulation 34(2)(f) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. JointValues ESG Services Pvt. Ltd. provided independent reasonable assurance on the nine core attributes of the BRSR Core format, adhering to the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised). Disclosures cover standalone operations across all commissioned power stations, corporate offices, and regional offices in India. The assurance process included substantive testing of sustainability indicators and analytical procedures to verify data reasonableness against historical trends.

Environmental Performance and Resource Efficiency

NHPC reported a significant improvement in its environmental footprint during FY26. Renewable energy consumption as a share of total energy consumption rose to 79.4% from 73.7% in the previous year. Total energy consumed increased to 12,33,803 GJ from 9,54,671 GJ in FY25, reflecting higher operational activity. However, emission intensity declined; Scope 1 and Scope 2 emission intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) stood at 0.0000085447 MtCO2e per International Dollar, down from 0.000010461621 MtCO2e per International Dollar in FY25.

Total waste generated dropped sharply to 2,395.55 MT in FY26 from 25,790.47 MT in FY25, primarily due to reduced construction and demolition waste as major projects transitioned to operations. Water consumption totaled 4,08,300 KL, with water intensity per rupee of turnover adjusted for PPP at 0.0000804088 kL/Int. Dollar. The company initiated the Green Credit Program in Gujarat, depositing ₹1,520.44 lakh with the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) for afforestation activities, though eligibility to claim credits remains post-2029.

Workforce Safety and Inclusive Procurement

Safety remained a core priority, with NHPC recording zero fatalities and zero permanent disabilities among employees and workers. Well-being expenditure accounted for 2.12% of total revenue, up from 2.04% in FY25. The workforce comprised 3,876 employees and 8,592 workers, with female representation at 10% among employees and 12% among workers. Gross wages paid to females constituted 9.72% of total wages. One complaint was filed under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013, which was resolved with zero complaints upheld.

Inclusive procurement practices strengthened, with purchases from Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) reaching ₹431.14 crore, or 60.73% of the total eligible procurement value of ₹709.89 crore. Within this, SC/ST-owned MSEs received ₹38.99 crore (5.49%) and women-owned MSEs received ₹32.65 crore (4.60%). All inputs were sourced domestically. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending focused on aspirational districts, including ₹584.68 lakh in Baramulla and ₹1,175.66 lakh in Chamba, supporting healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.

Governance and Stakeholder Engagement

NHPC’s governance framework includes a Committee of Directors on CSR & Sustainability, comprising six members as of March 31, 2026. The company reported no cases of bribery or corruption. Grievance redressal mechanisms resolved 100% of community complaints (200 filed) and investor grievances (44 filed). Shareholder complaints totaled 74, all resolved satisfactorily. Accounts payable days increased to 89.71 from 81.03 in the previous year. The Board approved policies covering all nine principles of the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct (NGRBC), with regular reviews conducted on a need-based frequency. No human rights violations were reported during the year.

A parliamentary panel has flagged persistent corporate governance concerns at NHPC , the state-owned hydropower company, drawing institutional attention to unresolved issues within its governance framework.

Parliamentary Panel's Observations

The panel's findings point to ongoing issues with NHPC's corporate governance, signalling that certain governance-related matters within the organisation remain unaddressed. Parliamentary panels serve as key oversight bodies for public sector undertakings, and such observations typically prompt the concerned entity to review and strengthen its internal governance mechanisms.

Key Concern Highlighted

The flagging of governance concerns by a parliamentary body underscores the importance of accountability and transparency standards expected of public sector enterprises. NHPC, as a government-owned entity operating in the hydropower sector, is subject to regulatory and parliamentary oversight as part of its operational mandate.

No further financial data, specific governance details, or additional operational information were included in the source material to provide a more comprehensive account of the panel's findings.