In a strategic move responding to China’s ongoing dam-building initiatives near the northeastern border, the Indian government has set into motion plans to accelerate progress on 12 dormant hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh, including the noteworthy 2,000MW Upper Subansiri project.

Hydel Power Trio Takes the Lead

Three prominent public sector hydel power companies – NHPC, SJVN, and NEEPCO, a subsidiary of NTPC – have formalized their commitment to the projects by signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Arunachal government in Itanagar. The combined capacity of these projects totals an impressive 11,517MW.

Prior Indications of Revitalization

As reported on November 9, 2022, by Times Of India (TOI), the Ministry of Power had outlined its strategy of empowering financially robust hydel companies to rejuvenate stalled hydroelectric projects.

This endeavor is part of a comprehensive response to the potential ‘water war’ with China and aligns with India’s climate action goal of deriving over 50% of its power from non-fossil sources by 2030, eventually leading to net zero emissions by 2070.

The significance of this shift is underscored by the current power generation landscape, where coal accounts for 70% of electricity supply, while renewables contribute 25%.

Unlocking Stalled Potential

Previously allocated to private developers by the state, these projects encountered stagnation due to a range of challenges, including financial constraints, expertise deficits, land acquisition obstacles, and regulatory clearances.

Within this consortium, NHPC has taken on two projects boasting a combined capacity of 3,800MW, SJVN is spearheading five projects with a cumulative capacity of 5,097MW, and NEEPCO has assumed responsibility for five projects with a total capacity of 2,620MW.

Vision for Prosperity and Sustainability

Articulating the transformative impact of these initiatives, Power and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh expressed his optimism about elevating the state’s per capita income to rival that of prosperous regions like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

“The per capita income of the state would become more than that of Maharashtra and Gujarat. All developed nations, including the US, Canada and Norway, have harnessed 80%-90% of their hydropower potential. In India also, the states which harnessed the potential of hydropower have become prosperous. Use of hydropower will also increase the ground water level and promote growth of flora and fauna,” the minister said.

Drawing inspiration from developed nations such as the US, Canada, and Norway, Singh highlighted the potential of harnessing 80%-90% of hydropower potential.

Beyond bolstering economic prosperity, the utilization of hydropower holds the promise of replenishing groundwater levels and fostering the growth of flora and fauna.

The signing of these MoUs marks a critical juncture in India’s energy journey, propelling hydel power into the forefront of its sustainable development agenda.