NHPC Limited has launched a pivotal phase in India’s renewable energy journey by starting the wet commissioning of the initial 250 MW unit at the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (HEP), located along the Arunachal Pradesh–Assam border. This milestone positions the project as the nation’s most significant hydropower endeavor to date, following the successful mechanical testing of its turbine.
Situated at Gerukamukh, the Subansiri Lower HEP began construction in January 2005 but faced setbacks due to environmental concerns and protests in Assam, halting progress from 2011 to 2019. Operations resumed in October 2019 after NHPC implemented robust safety and mitigation strategies, paving the way for this achievement.
The commissioning event saw the presence of NHPC’s Chairman and Managing Director, Shri Bhupender Gupta, alongside Executive Director and Project Head Shri Rajendra Prasad, and other key NHPC officials. Gupta praised the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Power, the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, past NHPC leaders, and the dedicated project team. He highlighted the milestone as a symbol of India’s engineering prowess and commitment to sustainable energy, stating, “This is a leap toward a greener, self-sufficient energy landscape for India.”
With the first unit now in wet commissioning, grid integration is on the horizon. NHPC plans to activate three additional 250 MW units soon, contributing 1,000 MW to the national grid. Once fully operational with all eight 250 MW units, the Subansiri Lower HEP will stand as India’s largest hydroelectric power facility, illuminating countless households and bolstering energy security.
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