Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding with Norway's Tidal Sail AS to implement a 500 kilowatt (kW) river kinetic energy demonstration project to establish India’s first such plant in the state. The MoU was between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tidal Sail AS under the India?Norway Green Partnership. Backed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, and Innovation Norway, the project will test technology that generates electricity from river currents without major civil infrastructure.

Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the agreement as a milestone in the state’s clean energy transition and said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and international cooperation. She noted Arunachal’s river systems offer considerable renewable potential and expressed confidence the project would strengthen energy security while ensuring responsible utilisation of natural resources. Pul thanked central ministries, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, Tidal Sail AS and other partners for their support.

The Norwegian Ambassador to India, May?Elin Stener, said Arunachal is an appropriate location to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology and indicated the concept could complement existing renewable sources and enhance long?term energy security. She highlighted growing cooperation between Norway and Arunachal in geothermal energy, geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure and reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to promoting green technologies and knowledge partnerships. CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the demonstration would diversify the state’s renewable portfolio and explore decentralised power for remote areas.

Officials said the memorandum marks a new phase in India?Norway cooperation and is expected to facilitate deployment of advanced river kinetic energy technologies in Himalayan river systems, contributing to sustainable development and long?term energy security in Arunachal. Tage suggested successful implementation could reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, preserve river ecosystems and position the state as a leader in next?generation renewable innovation. CES&HS is expanding collaboration with Norwegian institutions including the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.