Magazine

Last edition
november-december 2024

Home › Renewable energy ›India Approves Largest Hydropower Project Worth USD 3.9 Billion near China Border

India Approves Largest Hydropower Project Worth USD 3.9 Billion near China Border

The 2,880 MW project, touted to be the largest hydropower project in the northeastern region, would be developed by NHPC Ltd. on the Diban river in Arunachal Pradesh.

February 28, 2023. By Anurima Mondal

The government has approved Dibang Multipurpose Project worth USD 3.9 billion in the northeastern region bordering China. Touted to be the largest hydropower project, it would be developed on the Diban river in Arunachal Pradesh by NHPC Ltd. The 2,880 MW project would take approximately nine years to be constructed in the Lower Dibang Valley District.

India sees hydropower as an important renewable energy segment as it not only helps the country to meet rising power demand but also manages the fluctuations caused by intermittent solar and wind supplies.

With a height of 278 metres, the high concrete gravity dam will be India's tallest. The project would have six horseshoe-shaped head race tunnels of length varying from 300m to 600 m with 9 m diameter, an underground Power House, and six horseshoe-shaped tailrace tunnels of length varying from 320m to 470 m with 9m diameter.

The approved amount includes INR 67.2 billion for flood moderation and enabling infrastructure connecting the construction site. Upon completion of the project, the government of Arunachal Pradesh would receive 12 percent of its cost.

A storage-based hydroelectric project, Dibang is expected to protect various areas of Assam from flooding.

Tags: