NHPC's Subansiri Lower project on track for Jan 2024 deadline

The first 250-megawatt unit of the state-run hydroelectric power company NHPC's under-construction Subansiri Lower project is expected to be operational by January 2024, a senior official said. Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister RK Singh chaired a meeting in New Delhi to review the progress of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, being implemented by NHPC Ltd, a power ministry statement said. During the meeting, NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Kumar Vishnoi assured the minister that the company is working towards commissioning the first unit with a capacity of 250 megawatts in December or January 2024. The minister reviewed the project's construction progress, safety aspects, and preparations for the upcoming monsoon season. The project head presented the current status of progress in various work packages, along with safety considerations and preparedness as per laid down technical standards in view of the upcoming monsoon months. The project has made significant progress in dam concreting, with 14 blocks reaching the top level of 210 meters and the remaining two blocks to be completed by June 2023. The dam height has been raised by 37 meters with the pouring of more than 2.5 lakh cubic meters of concrete in the last six months, which is a remarkable achievement. The river-facing wall of the powerhouse has been raised to a safe height of 116 meters and the tail race channel has been completed for all units. The water conductor system is almost ready. The project has eight units of 250 megawatts each, with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatts. The project was started in 2005 and was to be completed by 2010. However, it was delayed due to concerns over its environmental impact. Also Read Centre proposes to sell 3% stake in Coal India via OFS Himadri invests mn for stake in Australia battery tech firm