Magazine

Last edition
January-February 2025

Home › Renewable energy ›Union Power Minister RK Singh Inspects Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

Union Power Minister RK Singh Inspects Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

During the inspection, the Minister took stock of ongoing construction activities and engaged in a detailed review meeting to address challenges in the project.

November 28, 2023. By Abha Rustagi

The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, visited the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, straddling Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, yesterday. The inspection covered crucial construction sites, including the dam, intake structures, and diversion tunnels in Gerukamukh, Assam.

During the inspection, the Minister took stock of ongoing construction activities and engaged in a detailed review meeting to address challenges in the project. Instructing NHPC officials and contractors, Singh emphasized the need to work with maximum zeal to ensure the timely completion of the Subansiri project.

Expressing his satisfaction with the progress, he highlighted the growing significance of hydel projects in achieving round-the-clock renewable energy and said, "Round-the-clock renewable energy is not possible without hydro," underlining the integral role of hydroelectric power in the nation's energy transition, emissions reduction, and adoption of renewables.

The Minister also shared insights into India's increasing hydropower capacity, stating that Arunachal Pradesh is set to witness the development of 13,000 MW hydel power capacity through various projects. These initiatives are expected to bring significant investment to the state, resulting in a fourfold increase in per capita income.

Singh discussed efforts to maximize the utilization of India's available hydropower capacity. He said, "Today, our hydropower capacity is 47,000 MW, which is 35 percent of our available hydropower potential. Developed countries, however, have utilized around 70 percent - 80 percent of their available hydro potential."

Addressing the growing power demand in India, Singh mentioned that the under-construction capacity in renewables is around 70,000 MW, with an additional 53,000 MW in thermal capacity planned to meet the power demand of 2030.

He reiterated India's commitment to responsible growth, highlighting the nation's achievement of the COP21 target nine years ahead of schedule.

Tags:

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project