The Union Minister has inaugurated the commercial operation of Unit 2 of the 2,000 megawatt Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project through virtual mode from New Delhi. 

• The project is being implemented by NHPC and is located on the Subansiri River at the Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border.

Why is this project important?

• The Subansiri Lower project is India’s largest hydropower project and a key pillar of the country’s renewable energy transition.
• It supports India’s Net Zero commitments by generating large-scale clean electricity while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• The project will significantly strengthen power supply in the Northeast, a region that has long faced energy constraints.

Key technical features

• The project consists of eight units of 250 megawatt each, with phased commissioning planned through 2026–27.
• It is designed as a run-of-the-river scheme with small pondage, generating about 7,422 million units of electricity annually.
• It includes the largest dam in Northeast India, a 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam.
• As the first cascaded dam on the Subansiri River, it provides flood moderation through a dedicated flood cushion, helping protect downstream communities.

Socio-economic and environmental aspects

• The project supplies electricity to 16 beneficiary States, with free power allocations to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Around 1,000 megawatt of power is earmarked for the Northeast, improving regional energy security.
• Extensive riverbank protection and erosion control measures have been implemented downstream.
• NHPC has supported livelihood programmes in piggery, sericulture and handloom, benefiting thousands of women farmers.
• During construction, the project generated large-scale local employment and is expected to promote industrial growth, tourism and reduced out-migration.

Significance

• The project highlights the role of large hydropower in balancing renewable energy grids, especially in regions with high solar and wind variability.
• It reflects the government’s focus on infrastructure-led development of the Northeast.

Exam Hook – Prelims 

Q. Consider the following statements about the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project:

1. It is India’s largest hydropower project and is located on the Subansiri River.
2. It is designed as a run-of-the-river project with limited storage for flood moderation.
3. It supplies electricity exclusively to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct answer: (a)

One-line wrap:
The commissioning of Subansiri Lower Unit 2 marks a major step in clean energy expansion and regional development in Northeast India.

SOURCE