Union Power Minister Manohar Lal on Tuesday inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the 2000 MW (8×250 MW) Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode.
He said the commissioning of this unit is “not just a technical achievement, but a testament to years of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.”
Manohar Lal further emphasised that the Subansiri Project stands as a symbol of India’s commitment to clean and sustainable energy, supporting North-East India’s growth, strengthening the national grid and advancing India’s ambitious Net Zero goals.
The event was also attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary (Power), Bhupender Gupta, CMD, NHPC, and other officers of the Ministry of Power and NHPC.
Agarwal lauded NHPC’s achievement, highlighting that the Subansiri Lower Project will greatly improve energy supply in the North-East and serve as a testament to India’s commitment to state-of-the-art, sustainable power systems.
He emphasised the timely commissioning of the remaining units, noting that the Subansiri Project will continue to play a pivotal role in India’s transition to a Net Zero energy future while generating substantial socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Gupta expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Power, the Governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, former NHPC leadership, the entire Subansiri Project team, all key stakeholders and partners for their dedicated support in making this milestone achievement possible.
He further said the project will strengthen the national grid, support sustainable development in the North-East and provide reliable renewable energy to meet growing demand.
With the commissioning of Unit-2, the Project is moving swiftly towards commissioning of 3 Units of 250 MW each shortly, followed by phased commissioning of the remaining four units during 2026-27.
Upon full commissioning, the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project will make a significant contribution to India’s renewable energy capacity, enhance national grid resilience and usher in a new era in massive clean energy contribution.
As India’s largest hydropower project, the Subansiri Lower Project comprises 8 units of 250 MW each and is designed as a Run-of-the-River scheme with small pondage, diverting water through eight Head Race Tunnels (HRTs) to generate 7,422 million units (MU) of renewable electricity annually, contributing significantly to India’s green energy future.
The project features the largest dam in North-East India, a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam, which not only strengthens regional infrastructure and grid resilience but also enhances flood moderation and water management in the Subansiri River basin.
It is located 2.3 km upstream of Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh.