The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, RK Singh, conducted a comprehensive review of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project located in Arunachal Pradesh/Assam on November 27, 2023. The ministerโs visit included inspections of key construction sites, such as the dam, intake structures, and diversion tunnels in Gerukamukh, Assam, to assess the ongoing progress of the ambitious hydroelectric project.
During the visit, Minister RK Singh expressed satisfaction with the advancements made in the Subansiri project, emphasizing the growing importance of hydel projects in the context of Indiaโs energy transition. He highlighted that round-the-clock renewable energy, a crucial aspect of reducing emissions and moving towards renewables, is not achievable without a significant contribution from hydro power.
Addressing the media, Minister Singh disclosed that Indiaโs hydro power capacity is on the rise. Apart from the Subansiri project, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with central public sector undertakings for 13 additional hydroelectric projects, totalling 13,000 MW in Arunachal Pradesh. These initiatives are expected to attract an investment of approximately Rs. 1.4 lakh crore, significantly boosting the stateโs economy.
Singh emphasized the positive developments in Jammu & Kashmir, where five hydel projects are under construction, contributing to the growing hydro potential in the region. He highlighted the overall effort to tap into Indiaโs available hydro power capacity more effectively.
The minister acknowledged the surging power demand in the country, noting a 20% growth in demand from August to October 2023 compared to the previous year. According to NITI Aayog, Indiaโs economy is projected to grow at 7.5% for the next two decades, necessitating a rapid increase in power capacity. Singh stated that the current power demand of around 2.31 lakh MW is expected to double by 2030.
Singh outlined Indiaโs strides in power capacity expansion, transitioning from a power deficit nation to one with a surplus. He mentioned the governmentโs addition of 1.9 lakh MW in the last nine and a half years, contributing to Indiaโs capability to export power to neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal.
The minister underscored Indiaโs leadership in energy transition on the global stage. Singh highlighted that India surpassed its commitment made at COP21 in Paris by achieving 40% non-fossil-fuel capacity by 2021, nine years ahead of schedule. He emphasized Indiaโs responsible growth, using fossil fuels as needed, and highlighted the countryโs relatively low per capita carbon emissions compared to developed nations.