Govt to push for new projects, dispute resolution in hydro power sector

Modi will be dedicating two hydel power projects in J&K soon, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said

In order to give a thrust to hydro based power in the country, government would inaugurate two new projects in Leh-Ladakh and also would look at resolving issues faced by stuck projects.

“Next week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would dedicate to the nation two hydro projects based in Leh-Ladakh and would also lay the foundation for first evacuation transmission line from Leh to Kargil to Srinagar,” said Piyush Goyal, minister of state for coal, power and renewable energy.

Speaking at the National Conference on hydro power organised by industry body FICCI, Goyal said hydro power has the potential to reach 100 Gw in the country. The current capacity of hydro power in the country is 35 Gw, accounting for 17% of the nation’s cumulative power generation capacity.

“There are large projects in the private sector and are also vying for large capacities. We saw a recent deal of hydro asset changing hands, where there were several disappointed suitors. There is interest in the sector. In the different silos of the government, namely ministry of environment, water resources, new and renewable energy, there is a lot of confusion. This needs to be sorted if India wants to utilise its hydro power potential,” said Goyal.

To start with, the ministers also said discussions would be held with the stakeholders of Subansari power project and try to resolve the misunderstandings between Arunanchal Pradesh and Assam.

The 2,000 mw Subansari hydro power project by NHPC, located on the boundary of Arunanchal Pradesh and Assam is facing suspension of operation due to civil unrest. The other project on the same river by Jindal Power is also facing delays.