Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh, embarked on a visit to the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project situated in Arunachal Pradesh / Assam on November 27, 2023. The purpose of the Minister’s visit was to conduct a comprehensive inspection of various construction sites within the Subansiri project, encompassing the dam, intake structures, and diversion tunnels situated in Gerukamukh, Assam. His primary objective was to assess the ongoing construction activities and be apprised of the current progress.
Following his inspection, the Power Minister convened a review meeting to delve into the project’s status and explore strategies aimed at overcoming the challenges encountered. While addressing NHPC officials and representatives from major contractors involved in key project works, Shri Singh urged everyone to intensify their efforts to ensure the project’s timely completion. He emphasized the pivotal role of hydroelectric power, stating, “Round-the-clock renewable energy is not possible without hydro.”
Expressing contentment with the project’s progress, the Minister highlighted the growing significance of hydel projects in achieving round-the-clock renewable energy. He underscored the necessity to transition to renewable energy sources, reducing emissions, and shifting towards sustainable power sources. While acknowledging solar and wind power’s significance in the renewable energy landscape, he emphasized that uninterrupted renewable energy is reliant on hydroelectric power.
Shri Singh disclosed that several significant hydel projects, including Subansiri, are underway in Arunachal Pradesh, signifying a substantial hydroelectric capacity addition of 13,000 MW. These projects are expected to inject investments of approximately Rs. 1.4 lakh crore into the state, subsequently quadrupling per capita income and contributing significantly to the nation’s clean power generation.
Furthermore, the Minister underscored the need to harness India’s available hydro power capacity more effectively. He indicated that while the current hydro power capacity stands at 47,000 MW, representing 35% of the country’s potential, developed nations have utilized around 70% – 80% of their available hydro potential.
Shri Singh emphasized India’s escalating power demands, growing by 20% in recent months. Anticipating a doubling of power demand by 2030, he stressed the necessity of rapidly increasing power capacity to meet this burgeoning demand. He highlighted the nation’s transformation from a power deficit to a surplus nation, currently exporting power to neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal.
Underlining India’s commitment to responsible growth, Shri Singh highlighted the country’s remarkable achievements in renewable energy transitions. India surpassed its COP21 commitment by achieving 40% of its power capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources in 2021, nine years ahead of schedule. He emphasized India’s responsible approach to growth compared to developed nations, citing significantly lower per capita carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minister’s visit to the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project was accompanied by several key dignitaries, including Union Power Secretary Shri Pankaj Agarwal, CMD of NHPC Shri R. K. Vishnoi, and other senior officials involved in the project.