The agreement marks one of the largest hydropower collaborations undertaken with a private sector developer in Arunachal Pradesh and reinforces the State’s strategic role in India’s clean energy transition.
The MoA was signed between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and M/s Greenko Demwe Power Limited, formerly Athena Demwe Power Limited, for execution of the mega hydropower project in Lohit district near Parasuram Kund and Brahma Kund. MoA was signed by Joint Secretary (Hydropower), Hage Lailang on behalf of GoAP in presence of the Deputy Chief Minister and Minister-In-Charge (Hydropower), Chowna Mein and Commissioner (Hydropower), Sonam Chombay.
The project forms part of the Government of India’s ambitious 50,000 MW Hydroelectric Initiative aimed at expanding the country’s renewable energy capacity. Arunachal Pradesh, endowed with immense hydropower potential, continues to play a crucial role in achieving the nation’s long term clean energy goals.
The Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project, proposed on the Lohit River, will have an installed capacity of 1750 MW comprising five generating units of 342 MW each along with one unit of 40 MW. The project is expected to generate approximately 7326 Million Units of electricity annually in a 90 percent dependable year at 95 percent plant availability, thereby making a substantial contribution to India’s energy security and renewable energy generation.
The project site is located in Lohit district near Parasuram Kund/Brahma Kund and enjoys strategic connectivity through Dibrugarh Airport, Tinsukia railhead, and road access from Parasuram Kund. The project has been designed as a major engineering and infrastructure initiative with a concrete gravity dam having a maximum height of 163.12 metres above deepest foundation and a total crest length of 474.35 metres.
The reservoir at Full Reservoir Level will have a storage capacity of 516.38 Million Cubic Metres with a water spread area of approximately 1131 hectares. The project design includes a modern spillway system comprising surface ogee and sluice spillways with multiple gates to safely handle flood discharge.The project will feature an advanced hydropower infrastructure system including six diversion tunnels, underground pressure shafts, and a large surface powerhouse located on the right bank of the Lohit River. The powerhouse has been designed with Vertical Francis Turbines operating at a design head of 112 metres and a design discharge of 1729 cumecs.
Apart from strengthening India’s renewable energy capacity, the project is expected to provide major socio-economic benefits to Arunachal Pradesh through employment generation, infrastructure development, improved connectivity, and increased economic activity in the region. Large scale direct and indirect employment opportunities are expected during both construction and operational phases.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh reiterated its commitment to promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable hydropower development while ensuring that the benefits of development reach local communities.
The signing of the MoA reflects growing investor confidence in Arunachal Pradesh as a premier destination for clean energy and infrastructure investment. The Government expressed confidence that the Demwe Lower Hydroelectric Project will emerge as one of the flagship hydropower projects in the country and a defining milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s development project.