Will NHPC Commence Commercial Operations of the Subansiri Project’s 2nd Unit on December 23?
Synopsis
Exciting news as NHPC gears up to launch the second unit of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project! With a capacity of 250 MW, this project is part of a larger 2,000 MW initiative, marking a significant milestone in India's renewable energy landscape. Ready to learn more?
Key Takeaways
NHPC to initiate commercial operations for Unit-2 of the Subansiri Project on December 23, 2025.
Unit-2 has a capacity of 250 MW .
The project will eventually become India's largest hydroelectric power station.
The Subansiri Project aims to generate 7,421.59 million units of electricity annually.
Construction involves significant investment, approximately Rs 27,000 crore .
New Delhi, Dec 21 (NationPress) The state-owned power producer NHPC announced on Sunday that it is set to initiate commercial operations of the second unit of the 2,000 megawatt Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project starting Tuesday.
The company stated that Unit-2, boasting a capacity of 250 MW, will commence commercial generation from midnight on December 23, 2025.
In a filing with the exchange, NHPC revealed that the commercial operation of the second unit of the Subansiri Lower project has been declared, which is being developed at an estimated expenditure of approximately Rs 27,000 crore.
This project is being undertaken under the auspices of the Ministry of Power. The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is situated at Gerukamukh, close to North Lakhimpur, along the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
“We wish to announce that following a successful trial run, NHPC Limited has declared the Commercial Operation (CoD) of Unit 2 (250 MW) of the Subansiri Lower HE Project, 2000 MW (8 x 250 MW), Assam/Arunachal Pradesh from 00:00 hours on 23.12.2025,” NHPC mentioned in its exchange disclosure.
“Details regarding the commercial operation of the remaining units of the Subansiri Lower HE Project will be communicated in due course,” it added.
Upon full commissioning, this project will become the largest hydroelectric power station in the nation, with a total capacity of 2,000 MW across eight units of 250 MW each.
The project follows a run-of-the-river model with water storage on the Subansiri river.
NHPC noted that this design enables the utilization of the river’s natural flow while minimizing environmental impacts when compared to larger reservoir-type projects.
NHPC Director (Projects) Sanjay Kumar Singh visited the project site to oversee the initiation of commercial operations for Unit-2.
During his site visit, he evaluated key structures such as the main dam, diversion tunnel, and spillway, and engaged in discussions with contractors and other stakeholders to review outstanding tasks.
Earlier this month, the first 250 MW unit of the project was successfully synchronized with India’s national power grid on December 3, signifying that the project is progressing toward full-scale operations.
According to NHPC, the project is projected to produce approximately 7,421.59 million units of electricity annually with a 90% dependability.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the significance of NHPC’s announcement regarding the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project. This initiative not only contributes to India's renewable energy goals but also represents a notable advancement in sustainable power generation, aligning with national interests.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capacity of Unit-2 in the Subansiri Project?
Unit-2 of the Subansiri Project has a capacity of 250 MW.
When will the commercial operations of Unit-2 begin?
Commercial operations of Unit-2 will begin at midnight on December 23, 2025.
How much electricity is the Subansiri Project expected to generate annually?
The Subansiri Project is expected to produce around 7,421.59 million units of electricity per year.
Where is the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project located?
The project is located at Gerukamukh, near North Lakhimpur, along the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
What is the estimated cost of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project?
The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 27,000 crore.
