How is MP Securing 252 MW Hydropower from Arunachal?

Bhopal, June 27 (NationPress) In a significant step to enhance its renewable energy capacity, the Madhya Pradesh government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to secure 252 megawatts of electricity.

This agreement was formalised in Bhopal between the MP Power Management Company and NHPC, with the power distribution approved by the Union Ministry of Power.

The power purchase agreement (PPA) was executed by Rakesh Thukral, Chief General Manager of MP Power Management Company, and Omkar Yadav, General Manager of NHPC, in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav.

As part of the agreement, Madhya Pradesh will obtain 252 MW from NHPC's multipurpose hydropower initiative located in the Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh.

This project, which is being developed on the Dibang River, is anticipated to commence operations by 2031–32.

Officials highlighted that the electricity generated from this project will assist in meeting peak demand for over three hours during the Rabi season and between nine to nineteen hours during other times.

Chief Minister Yadav regarded this agreement as a proactive measure to secure energy for the state's expanding agricultural and industrial sectors.

He pointed out that Madhya Pradesh, as an agriculture-centric state, is experiencing a continuous increase in electricity consumption, especially in rural and irrigation-heavy regions.

Power department officials mentioned that the state’s total electricity demand is expected to reach 20,000 MW by the end of the current financial year.

The Lower Dibang Valley project is one of India's largest multipurpose hydropower projects, aimed not only at generating clean energy but also assisting in flood control and water management in the northeastern area.

Its integration into Madhya Pradesh's grid exemplifies a wider national initiative to encourage inter-state energy collaboration and diminish dependence on fossil fuels.

Energy department officials stated that this long-term power purchase will improve grid stability and bolster the state's shift towards sustainable energy.

This agreement is also in line with Madhya Pradesh's extensive energy strategy, which includes investments in solar and wind energy through various central initiatives.

With this MoU, Madhya Pradesh positions itself among the pioneering states in harnessing hydropower to satisfy future energy requirements while contributing to national climate objectives.