India Poised To Commence Major Hydropower Project Near China Border
Subansiri Hydroelectric Project (LSHP). Courtesy: crackittoday
India is on the verge of launching a long-awaited mega hydropower project that marks a significant milestone in the country's transition towards renewable energy. National Hydro Electric Power Corporation Private Limited (NHPC), a state-run hydropower company, is set to commence trial runs in July for the Subansiri Lower project, spanning the states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in India's northeastern region. The first unit is slated for commissioning in December, with all eight units expected to be operational by the end of 2024, as confirmed by NHPC's finance director, Rajendra Prasad Goyal, in an interview with The Times of India (TOI).
Hydropower, known for its ability to address fluctuations in electricity demand, plays a crucial role in grid balancing, particularly as intermittent solar and wind power generation increases. However, the 2-gigawatt Subansiri Lower project, initiated in 2003, faced delays due to protests and legal disputes driven by environmental concerns. The project's cost surged to Rs. 212.5 billion, more than three times the original estimate. In 2019, the National Green Tribunal permitted the resumption of work after an eight-year suspension. Despite significant hydropower potential of 145 gigawatts, opposition to dams has restricted India's utilization to less than a third.
Goyal emphasized the need for obtaining approximately 40 approvals from various departments before commencing hydropower projects, emphasizing the importance of thorough scrutiny during the planning stages to avoid disruptions once construction begins.
The construction of large dams also serves as a means for India to stimulate local economies in regions near its sensitive borders with China and Pakistan. As the Subansiri project nears completion, NHPC is finalizing plans to award construction contracts for the Dibang project, a massive 2.9 gigawatt hydropower plant that stands as India's largest planned endeavor of its kind.
To promote hydropower generation, the Indian government has granted large dams the status of clean energy sources. This designation compels provincial power distributors to prioritize purchasing hydropower over electricity generated from fossil fuels. In certain cases, the government has also committed to providing budgetary support for civil construction and flood mitigation efforts.
In conclusion, the developments in India's mega hydropower project near the China border hold relevance for Nepal's energy landscape. As neighboring countries, Nepal and India share common interests in hydropower generation and cross-border energy trade. Observing India's experiences with such projects can provide valuable insights and lessons for Nepal's own hydropower initiatives. The environmental concerns and challenges faced by India can prompt Nepal to prioritize environmental sustainability in its hydropower development. Furthermore, understanding the market dynamics and potential cooperation opportunities arising from India's hydropower projects can benefit Nepal in its pursuit of maximizing its hydropower potential. Therefore, staying informed about regional developments in the energy sector, including those in neighboring countries like India, is crucial for Nepal's energy planning and decision-making processes.
Source: The Times of India (TOI)
