The MoAs were signed in the presence of Union Power Minister R. K. Singh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein. The programme was also attended by Union Power Secretary, senior officers from the Power Ministry and CMDs of CPSUs. Several ministers, MLAs and senior officers from the state were also present on the occasion.
The total operational capacity of these 12 projects will be to the tune of 11,517 MW. The projects will be implemented by three Central PSUs – NHPC Ltd., SJVN Ltd. and NEEPCO Ltd. The detailed PSU-wise project list is attached.
These projects were initially allotted to independent power developers but remained stalled due to various reasons. To unlock this potential, the Central and the State Governments made joint and concerted efforts over the last two years. The efforts bore fruit and the award of these projects to CPSUs today will help restart their execution.
While thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Power Minister R. K. Singh for their unflinching support, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said that the award of these projects is a historic moment not only for the state but for the entire nation. He pointed that, on the one hand, they will give a tremendous boost to the growth and the development of the state and on the other, they will augment the country’s energy security through clean and green energy. He exhorted the stakeholders to implement these projects in a mission mode in the overall interest of the state and the nation.
Lauding the role of CPSUs, Khandu said, “The role of CPSUs has been commendable. State has already received free power to the extent of Rs 1183 crores from the Panyor Lower, Pare and Kameng Hydro Electric Projects. This quantum is going to further increase in 2023-24, as Subansiri Lower HEP 2000 MW is scheduled to be commissioned in a phased manner from January 2024 onwards.”
Khandu further informed that the State government has initiated the ‘Golden Jubilee Border Village Electrification Programme’.
“Under this initiative, we will provide stable power supply to our villages and defense establishments along the remote international border through stand alone micro hydel projects. Over a period of three years, we will undertake 50 such projects and 13 projects have already been commissioned in Phase 1,” he added.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that the projects will bring unprecedented development and employment opportunities in the state. He said that the state will earn Rs. 3052 crores annually from the 12% free power component from the projects.
“Additionally, we will also earn Rs. 254 crores annually for the Local Area Development Fund,” he added.
The projects will be developed in partnership with the State Government which will have a 26% equity share. The dividends from this equity participation will further augment the State’s earnings from the projects.
Earlier, while welcoming the participants, Chief Secretary Dharmendra expressed how the State is a front runner towards meeting Prime Minister’s commitment of producing at least 50% of energy through renewable sources by 2030.
