Itanagar, May 27: In a major boost to Arunachal Pradesh’s hydropower sector and India’s renewable energy ambitions, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Greenko Demwe Power Limited for the implementation of the 1750 MW Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project in Lohit district.
To be executed on a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) basis, the project is considered one of the largest hydropower collaborations undertaken with a private sector developer in the state.
The agreement was signed between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and M/s Greenko Demwe Power Limited, formerly known as Athena Demwe Power Limited, for development of the mega hydropower project near Parashuram Kund and Brahma Kund on the Lohit River.
The MoA was signed by Joint Secretary (Hydropower) Hage Lailang on behalf of the state government in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Hydropower Chowna Mein and Commissioner (Hydropower) Sonam Chombay.
The project forms part of the Centre’s ambitious 50,000 MW Hydroelectric Initiative aimed at expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. Arunachal Pradesh, endowed with immense hydropower potential, continues to play a crucial role in achieving the nation’s long-term clean energy goals.
The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project will have an installed capacity of 1750 MW comprising five generating units of 342 MW each along with one unit of 40 MW. The project is expected to generate around 7,326 million units of electricity annually in a 90 percent dependable year at 95 percent plant availability, making a substantial contribution to India’s energy security and clean energy generation.
Located in Lohit district, the project site enjoys strategic connectivity through Dibrugarh Airport, Tinsukia railhead and road access from Parashuram Kund.
The project includes construction of a concrete gravity dam with a maximum height of 163.12 metres above the deepest foundation level and a crest length of 474.35 metres.
The reservoir at Full Reservoir Level will have a storage capacity of 516.38 million cubic metres with a water spread area of approximately 1,131 hectares. The project design includes a modern spillway system comprising surface ogee and sluice spillways with multiple gates to safely handle flood discharge.
The project will feature an advanced hydropower infrastructure system including six diversion tunnels, underground pressure shafts, and a large surface powerhouse located on the right bank of the Lohit River. The powerhouse will be equipped with Vertical Francis Turbines operating at a design head of 112 metres and a design discharge of 1729 cumecs.
Officials informed that besides strengthening renewable energy generation, the project is expected to bring major socio-economic benefits to Arunachal Pradesh through employment generation, infrastructure development, improved connectivity and increased economic activity in the region.
Large-scale direct and indirect employment opportunities are also expected during both the construction and operational phases of the project.
The state government reiterated its commitment towards environmentally responsible and sustainable hydropower development while ensuring that the benefits of development reach local communities.
Officials said the signing of the MoA reflects growing investor confidence in Arunachal Pradesh as a key destination for clean energy and infrastructure investment.
The government expressed confidence that the Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project would emerge as one of the flagship hydropower projects in the country and mark a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s development journey.