Norway, Europe’s biggest producer of hydropower, has offered to help India harness its hydro resources. Elvind S Homme, Norway’s ambassador to Delhi, on Wednesday met power secretary PK Sinha along with a delegation of top hydropower producers from his country, including SN Power.
India can generate 1.5 lakh mw of power from its hydro resources, of which 25% has been exploited so far. According to sources, Homme told Sinha that Norwegian firms can provide construction technology and mechanical equipment for hydel projects, especially those planned in harsh climatic conditions such as Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
The Norwegian ambassador also offered technological and financial help for implementation, renovation and modernisation of hydel plants planned by the ministry under the 12th Plan programme.
SN Power along with Tata Power is developing the 236-mw Duggar project in Chenab valley of Himachal Pradesh. It has also acquired 49% stakes in LNJ Bhilwara Group’s Malana Power Company.
The firm is also involved in the implementation of the 192-mw Allain Duhangan and 86-mw Malana hydel projects. Due to geological and hydrological surprises, developing hydel projects is much more challenging than thermal plants. Most of the hydel projects are located in remote areas that pose their own logistical challenges. Because of this the share of hydel power in the country’s energy mix has fallen steadily over the years, alarming the power ministry which is now looking at innovative options to expedite harnessing of hydro resources. The ministry has also sought special dispensation for environment clearances for transportation infrastructure projects for expeditious implementation of hydel projects in Arunachal Pradesh.