ITANAGAR, Oct 13: The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, being developed by NHPC Limited, has achieved two major milestones with the successful synchronisation of its fifth 250 MW unit with the National Grid and the lowering of the 673-tonne generator rotor of Unit 6 into its pit.
With the synchronisation of Unit 5 at 9 pm on Monday, the project has achieved a cumulative synchronised capacity of 1,250 MW, making it NHPC’s largest project in terms of synchronised capacity from a single project, the company said in a statement.
The successful synchronisation marks a significant step towards enhancing the country’s hydropower generation capacity and strengthening energy security.
The same day, the 673-tonne generator rotor of Unit 6 was successfully lowered into the pit, marking a major milestone in the project’s electro-mechanical erection works. The operation was completed through meticulous planning, precision engineering and coordination among the stakeholders, the NHPC said.
The rotor lowering will pave the way for the boxing-up of Unit 6, followed by testing and commissioning activities, bringing the project closer to achieving its full installed capacity of 2,000 MW through eight units of 250 MW each.
Both milestones were achieved in the presence of Additional Secretary, Union Ministry of Power, Diwakar Nath Mishra; Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC, Bhupender Gupta; and NHPC Director (Projects) Sanjay Kumar Singh. Mishra congratulated NHPC, the Subansiri Project team and all stakeholders, including the executing agencies, on the achievements.
CMD Gupta expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Power, the governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, former NHPC leaderships, the project team, executing agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support and perseverance.
He said the synchronisation of Unit 5 reflected NHPC’s technological capabilities and India’s commitment to a cleaner, greener and energy-secure future. He also commended the efforts of the Subansiri team, led by Pradip Kumar Ray, Executive Director and Head of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project, and urged the team to maintain the momentum for the timely commissioning of the remaining units.
Singh also appreciated the dedication of the project team and encouraged it to continue working towards the phased commissioning of the remaining units.
The occasion was attended by Narendra Kumar, Executive Director (Dibang); UK Nand, Executive Director (PMSG); and other senior officers from NHPC’s corporate office and the Subansiri Lower project.
Once fully commissioned, the 2,000 MW project is expected to make a substantial contribution to the country’s power generation capacity.