Aizawl, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, officially initiated the construction of the 24 MW Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project in the Aizawl district on Monday.

This project is set to be implemented as an Externally Aided Project, financed through a loan from the Shanghai-based New Development Bank (NDB).

According to officials, the project will be established alongside the Tuirini River at a total investment of Rs 676.98 crore.

During the event, Lalduhoma noted the recent inauguration of the 10 MW Thenzawl Solar Power Plant last month, and mentioned that a 5 MW solar power plant in Sumsuih is currently in progress, with approximately 20 percent of the work already completed. Both solar power plants are entirely state-owned.

The Chief Minister also highlighted additional proposed energy projects, noting that the Central Water Commission (CWC) had initially proposed the Tuivai Hydro Electric Project with a capacity of 210 MW.

However, due to concerns that the reservoir would inundate parts of neighboring Manipur, the capacity was adjusted to 132 MW.

He mentioned that the Department of Economic Affairs under the Union Finance Ministry has sanctioned the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), selection of an appropriate private developer, issuance of tenders, and signing of agreements by the state government.

For this purpose, Rs 2.3 crore has been allocated for hiring a transaction advisor, and a globally recognized firm has been contracted.

The DPR has now been finalized, and construction of the dam can begin once the financial arrangements are secured.

Additionally, the Chief Minister reported that the proposed Tlawng Hydro Project is currently under review by the CWC. The essential geological investigation has been assigned to M/s Benjamin Lalparmawia, Hlimen, via a work order issued on January 3, 2023. The DPR for this project is expected to be completed by September 2026.

To boost solar energy production, Lalduhoma announced that an Expression of Interest (EOI) has been published for private developers to establish solar power plants in five locations, with developers expected to be chosen soon.

The proposed sites include Tumtuitlang, Serchhip Vengchung Bawkmual, Hmunhmeltha-Denlung, Hnahthial, Tlabung Tlang, Lallen, Dawhzau Zau, and Lamzawl. Furthermore, 75 Village Councils have consented in writing to provide land for the installation of solar plants. The government plans to pursue these projects in phases.

To date, 791 rooftop solar installations have been completed statewide, with a total installed capacity of around 2.62 MW. This achievement is facilitated through a 60 percent Central subsidy and an additional 20-25 percent state subsidy, depending on the location.

The Chief Minister also indicated that a Pump Storage Project is being developed at Tuichang Lui, near the Vankal Solar Park. This initiative aims to pump water to higher elevations during low demand periods and generate electricity during peak demand, or to sell power through trading.

Lalduhoma acknowledged that while Mizoram is not yet entirely self-sufficient in power generation, the state maintains long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with central generating stations.

Whenever the state cannot fully utilize its allocated quota, surplus power, especially during the day or late at night, becomes available for trading. Since the Mizoram government consistently pays its power bills on time, it is able to sell this excess power, he remarked, noting that delays exceeding 70 days from the invoice date could result in restrictions from the North Eastern Regional Load Despatch Centre (NERLDC).

Given that the state regularly settles its dues promptly, it qualifies for rebates and enjoys unrestricted power trading, the Chief Minister elaborated.

State Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Power and Electricity Minister F. Rodingliana, and Information and Public Relations Minister B. Lalchhanzova were present at the ceremony.