India's Long-Awaited Mega Hydropower Project Set to Energize the Nation's Sustainable Future

State-owned NHPC Ltd. is scheduled to commence trial runs in July for the Subansiri Lower project, which spans across the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

After two decades of planning, India is on the verge of initiating a substantial hydropower project that plays a crucial role in the nation's energy transition. NHPC Ltd., a government-owned enterprise, is set to commence trial runs in July for the Subansiri Lower project, spanning across Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The project's first unit is projected to be commissioned in December, as affirmed by Rajendra Prasad Goyal, the finance director. Goyal further stated that all eight units will be commissioned by the end of 2024.

Hydropower project overcomes challenges for resumption

Hydropower, with its capacity to rapidly adapt to variations in electricity demand, is deemed essential to maintaining grid stability amidst the growing intermittent generation from solar and wind power. Nonetheless, the 2-gigawatt project, initiated in 2003, faced setbacks due to protests and legal battles, primarily driven by environmental concerns surrounding potential damage.

The project's cost surged to $2.6 billion, exceeding the original estimate by more than threefold. After an eight-year suspension, the National Green Tribunal granted permission to resume work in 2019.

"We need to get nearly 40 approvals from different departments before we start building a hydropower project. All the scrutiny should be done at this stage," Mr. Goyal said. "Any stoppages after the construction has begun is problematic."

Driving economic growth and sustainability

Large hydropower projects not only contribute to India's energy goals but also play a significant role in boosting local economies, particularly in regions along the country's tense borders with China and Pakistan. As the Subansiri project nears its completion, the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is actively finalising plans to award construction contracts for the ambitious 2.9-gigawatt Dibang project, which is set to become India's largest hydropower plant.

To promote the growth of hydropower, the government has granted large dams the status of clean energy sources. This designation mandates provincial power distributors to prioritize the purchase of hydropower over electricity generated from fossil fuels. By prioritising clean hydropower, India aims to reduce its reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigate the environmental impact of power generation.

In addition to promoting clean energy, the government has also taken steps to provide budgetary support for certain aspects of hydropower projects, such as civil construction and flood moderation work. This support is aimed at facilitating the successful implementation of hydropower initiatives across the country and ensuring their long-term sustainability.

The combination of boosting local economies, prioritising clean energy, and providing financial assistance demonstrates the government's commitment to harnessing the immense potential of hydropower in India. These efforts not only address the nation's energy requirements but also contribute to sustainable development and environmental preservation.