IIT Roorkee hydro turbine R&D facility opens to develop ultra-low head and hydrokinetic turbines
IIT Roorkee inaugurated a new research facility in the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy on April 21, 2026 . The move establishes an R&D hub named for work on ultra-low head and hydrokinetic turbines — a key step for small hydro power development.
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IIT Roorkee hydro turbine R&D: facility details
The facility comprises two dedicated units: an ultra-low head (ULH) laboratory and a hydrokinetic turbine (HKT) facility. Researchers will test turbine concepts designed for water heads in the 1 to 4 metres range.
The lab will focus on designs such as propeller-based turbines and environmentally friendly screw turbines. Work aims to unlock energy from underutilised sites like canal drops and wastewater outlets — places where conventional hydropower has been hard to deploy.
IIT Roorkee hydro turbine R&D: goals, leadership and funding
The project was developed under the leadership of Arun Kumar and financially backed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE); the exact funding amount was not disclosed. MNRE secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi inaugurated the facility and highlighted small hydro’s role in clean energy targets.
Sarangi noted that the small hydro push tied to this work will support over 50 Lakh person days of employment during construction through FY 2030-31 . He also reviewed ongoing IIT Roorkee research in solar, biomass, hydrogen and grid integration during his visit.
IIT Roorkee director Kamal Kishore Pant described the setup as relevant to national priorities and global climate goals, including India’s Net Zero 2070 ambition. Sarangi also visited existing hydro sites such as the Mohammadpur powerhouse and the Chilla project on the Ganga.
If you study renewable energy or civil/hydraulic engineering, this facility will likely generate new research and internship openings as prototype testing and industry engagement progress.
Key facts
- Location: Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy, IIT Roorkee
- Units: ULH laboratory and HKT facility
- Target heads: 1–4 metres
- Inaugurated by: Santosh Kumar Sarangi (MNRE)
- Project lead: Arun Kumar
- Funding: Backed by MNRE (amount undisclosed)
- Employment support during construction: 50 Lakh person days till FY 2030-31