Arunachal power

Itanagar, Aug 13: A significant stride towards bolstering its power infrastructure, Arunachal Pradesh has recently forged strategic partnerships by signing memorandums of agreement with three central public sector undertakings.

These collaborations are poised to pave the way for the development of 12 hydropower projects, collectively capable of generating a staggering 11,523 megawatts (MW) of power within the state. This bold move comes with an estimated investment of Rs 1,42,000 crore, underlining the commitment to harness the region’s vast hydropower potential.

The projects have been allocated to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVN), three prominent entities in India’s energy landscape. The collaboration aims to revitalize these projects, which had previously been assigned to independent power developers but had stalled due to various reasons.

Under the agreements, NEEPCO is set to undertake five projects with a cumulative capacity of 2,626 MW. SJVN has been awarded five projects with a combined capacity of 5,097 MW, and NHPC will lead two projects with a total capacity of 3,800 MW. This diverse portfolio of projects highlights the state’s dedication to tapping into its hydropower potential across different locations.

The signing of the agreements took place in the presence of Union Power Minister R.K. Singh and Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The occasion was marked by optimism and a collective vision to expedite the projects that hold the promise of both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Union Power Minister R.K. Singh hailed this moment as ‘historic’ and emphasized the pivotal role that these projects would play in India’s transition towards a sustainable energy future. He expressed confidence that construction on several of these projects would commence as early as March of the coming year, solidifying the government’s commitment to rapid development in the energy sector.

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These projects hold immense significance in the context of India’s broader energy goals. Singh highlighted that the development of these hydropower projects would contribute significantly to the country’s commitment to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). India aims to achieve a non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by the year 2030, a target in line with its international climate commitments. These projects align perfectly with this mission by harnessing the potential of clean, renewable energy sources.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Power Minister Singh for their unwavering support in making these projects a reality. He underscored the transformative impact these initiatives would have on the state’s development trajectory. Khandu also highlighted that beyond contributing to the state’s growth, these projects would significantly bolster the nation’s power security by adding substantial clean and green energy to the grid.

The decision to partner with central public sector undertakings underscores a collaborative approach to achieving energy goals. The combined expertise and resources of these entities, along with the state government, are expected to bring much-needed momentum to these projects and fast-track their implementation. This strategic alignment between the state and central authorities not only strengthens the energy infrastructure but also serves as a beacon of sustainable progress for the entire region.

As Arunachal Pradesh marches forward with its ambitious plans to tap into its hydropower potential, it sets a remarkable example of proactive governance and commitment to clean energy. The successful implementation of these projects has the potential to drive economic growth, improve energy access, and contribute to India’s larger efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable future.