12 Stalled Arunachal Pradesh Hydro Power Projects with 11.5 GW Capacity Handed Over to Hydro PSUs under Ministry of Power
Rejuvenation of Hydro Projects to Boost Arunachal’s Richness and Prosperity
TRP Bureau New Delhi, August 12, 2023: In a significant stride towards harnessing the vast hydro-electric potential of Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Government and the Arunachal Pradesh Government have collaboratively undertaken the revival and execution of 12 stalled hydro-electric power projects within the state. The strategic move aims to revitalize the energy sector and drive economic growth in the region. The Memorandums of Agreement (MoAs) formalizing this partnership were signed in Itanagar on August 12, 2023, wherein the cumulative installed capacity of these projects, exceeding 11,517 MW, was allotted to Hydro Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Union Ministry of Power.
The MoA signing ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries including Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh; Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu; Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein; Union Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal, and officials from both central and state governments.
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Shri R.K. Singh highlighted the transformative impact of these hydro power projects on the state’s prosperity. He emphasized that these projects have the potential to elevate Arunachal Pradesh’s per capita income, surpassing that of more developed states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. Drawing parallels with global leaders in hydropower utilization, he emphasized the need for sustainable energy sources to promote the growth of flora and fauna and increase groundwater levels.
The allocation of these projects to Hydro CPSUs marks a pivotal step toward unlocking Arunachal Pradesh’s substantial hydro-electric potential. Among the 12 projects, North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) secured five projects with a combined capacity of 2,620 MW, while Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. (SJVN) was allocated five projects with a cumulative capacity of 5,097 MW. The remaining two projects, boasting a capacity of 3,800 MW, were handed over to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
These projects, initially awarded to private sector developers nearly 15 years ago, remained stalled due to various challenges. Recognizing their importance, the State Government has collaborated with Central Hydro PSUs to reinvigorate these ventures. Notably, the execution of these projects aligns with India’s commitment to achieve a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030, contributing to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target.
Furthermore, the development of these projects holds the promise of substantial employment generation, economic growth, and skill enhancement in the region. The estimated investment inflow of approximately ₹1.26 lakh Crores to Arunachal Pradesh signifies the transformative potential of these initiatives. As the projects progress, they are poised to play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2070.
The collaborative efforts of the central and state governments to revive these hydro power projects not only promise energy security but also stand as a testament to India’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth. With the wheels set in motion, Arunachal Pradesh is poised for a renaissance, leveraging its hydropower potential for a greener and more prosperous future.
