Itanagar, Feb 5: Arunachal Pradesh plans to add 19 GW of hydropower capacity through large and mega projects, backed by an investment of Rs 1.9 lakh crore, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said in the Assembly on Thursday.

Speaking during Question Hour in response to BJP MLA Tapi Darang, Mein, who holds the power and hydropower portfolio, declared 2025-2035 as the “Decade of Hydropower” to accelerate sector development. The state accounts for nearly 40% of India’s hydropower potential, estimated at 58,000 MW, making it a significant contributor to the country’s clean energy targets and the 2070 net-zero goal.

With central support, Arunachal Pradesh is reviving 13 stalled projects totaling 12.2 GW and signed MoUs with four Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) in 2023. Three projects—Heo (240 MW), Tato-II (700 MW), and Tati-I (186 MW)—have received Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approval, with site work in progress. These joint ventures give the state a 26% equity stake, supported by 24% central financing, amounting to Rs 6,565 crore in Central Financial Assistance.

The state is expected to receive 12% free power from these projects, generating Rs 4,520 crore in revenue between 2025-2035 and Rs 4,100 crore annually afterward. The projects will also contribute Rs 821 crore annually for local development and Rs 1,452.4 crore in dividends, while creating over 30,000 direct skilled jobs and 16,000 indirect jobs.

Mein highlighted steps including departmental restructuring, a policy for reviving terminated projects, a proposed ROOT model to attract private investment in small hydropower, and updates to the 2017 Small Hydropower Policy.

Regarding major projects, two 500 MW units of the 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower project are operational, with three more units expected by March and all eight by December. The 2,880 MW Dibang multipurpose project is targeted for completion by February 2032.