Even as the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation commissioned the third unit (250 mw) of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, raising the total capacity to 750 mw of the 2,000 mw power plant, the state government made its ambitious plan for hydro expansion known.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein highlighted that the state holds 58,000 mw hydropower potential, over 38% of India’s total, at the Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 and the national power ministerial meet, as he sought central government support and investment in the sector, which is set to change the entire facet of the state’s economy.
Key issues discussed during the meeting included financial viability, the electricity amendment bill, and the national electricity policy, while the long-term goal of achieving 100 gw nuclear capacity by 2047 was also part of the deliberations.
Even as the state struggles to meet its current power demand for local consumption, it is set to change the whole trajectory.
However, major issues remain, as the minister made it known to the Centre, including the need for synchronised planning for power evacuation across river basins and the extension of the ISTS charge waiver beyond 2028 till 2035 to maintain tariff viability, as well as physical infrastructure development, including roads and bridges, to support these hydropower projects spread across the state.
It remains to be seen how the potential is tapped and whether the Centre will agree to the demands, which seem reasonable.