Subansiri Lower Hydropower Project Unit-2 Commissioned, Boosting India’s Renewable Energy Push

Subansiri Lower Project Advances India’s Clean Energy Goals

Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit–2 (250 MW) of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode. The commissioning marks a major milestone in India’s largest hydropower project and underscores the country’s commitment to clean, sustainable and renewable energy , particularly for the North-Eastern region .

Addressing the event, the minister described the achievement as the outcome of sustained teamwork and long-term vision. He stated that the Subansiri project reflects India’s resolve to strengthen the national power grid , accelerate regional development and progress towards Net Zero emission targets , while supporting economic growth in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and neighbouring states .

Project Timeline and Generation Capacity

With Unit–2 now operational, the project is set to commission three additional units of 250 MW each in the near future. The remaining four units are planned for phased commissioning during 2026–27 . Once fully operational, the project will generate approximately 7,422 million units of renewable electricity annually , significantly enhancing India’s green energy capacity and grid stability.

Engineering Design and Flood Moderation

The Subansiri Lower Project is a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage and features the largest dam in North-East India , a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam . As the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River, it provides vital flood moderation . Nearly one-third of its 1,365 million cubic metre gross reservoir storage is reserved as flood cushion, helping absorb excess flows and reduce downstream flood risks.

Socio-Economic Impact

NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Bhupender Gupta highlighted that the project supplied employment to nearly 7,000 local workers daily during construction. The power generated will benefit 16 states , provide free power to Arunachal Pradesh and Assam , and allocate 1,000 MW exclusively to the North-East. NHPC has also invested in riverbank protection, livelihood support and CSR initiatives, reinforcing its role in India’s clean energy transition.

Important Facts for Exams

• Subansiri Lower Project is India’s largest hydropower project (2,000 MW)

• It has eight units of 250 MW each

• Features the largest dam in North-East India

• Provides flood moderation in the Subansiri basin