The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project on the Subansiri River at the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam is being implemented by NHPC Limited and has an installed capacity of 2,000 megawatt (MW), comprising eight units of 250 megawatt each. Two units have been commissioned and the power generated is being supplied to the project beneficiaries. The remaining units are planned to be commissioned in a phased manner by December 2026.

Upon completion the project is expected to generate about 7,422 million units (mn units) of electricity annually and will contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy generation. The project is expected to provide flood moderation benefits in the Brahmaputra Valley and to support grid stability by balancing intermittent solar and wind energy. It will also provide peaking power support to the national grid.

The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project has obtained statutory environment and forest clearances from the concerned authorities and NHPC Limited has implemented riverbank protection and erosion control measures downstream of the project. Dam safety aspects are being ensured in accordance with the Dam Safety Act, 2021 under the guidance and recommendations of the National Dam Safety Authority. These measures are intended to maintain operational safety and environmental compliance.

NHPC Limited has taken initiatives to benefit local communities and stakeholders, providing employment to about 7,000 local workers during construction and implementing corporate social responsibility initiatives in education, skill development, health, sanitation and rural development. Livelihood programmes have benefited about 5,000 women and the project has contributed to the development of local infrastructure including roads and bridges, thereby improving connectivity for nearby villages. The information was provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Power, Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.