A government-owned power utility firm in the UAE said it has started selling electricity from its 100 megawatt run-of-the-river hydropower project in Himachal Pradesh to help meet India's growing energy demands.
Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) said that the Sorang hydropower project at full capacity can supply emissions-free electricity to 500,000 homes.
"We are keen to participate in meeting India's growing energy needs through the completion of this project which provides cost-efficient power and helps develop renewable energy sources," chairman Saeed Mubarak Al-Hajeri said.
TAQA, meaning energy in Arabic, is an international energy and water company listed in Abu Dhabi and operating in 11 countries across four continents.
"Sorang is our third major project to be completed this year, with two other projects set for completion by the end of 2015," he said yesterday.
The Sorang project is powered by the Sorang Khad river which originates in the Himalayas. It uses run-of-the-river technology to convert the river's natural water flow to electricity, eliminating the need for a reservoir.
"I would like to congratulate our team in India for safely completing this very challenging project in difficult terrain. This has been achieved largely thanks to a disciplined approach to project execution as well as the strong partnerships we have built with the local community and government" Al-Hajeri said.
The facility started supplying power to northern India on October 31. TAQA's India operations also include a 250 megawatt lignite power station in the Neyveli region of southern India.
