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Tripura Charts 10 River Sites for Hydrokinetic Power to Boost Energy Self-Sufficiency

Tripura is advancing toward power self-sufficiency by pioneering hydrokinetic energy generation from its rivers, with 10 sites identified for projects set to begin next month. The state is simultaneously aggressively expanding rooftop solar installations, targeting 1,000 MW from households and 80 MW from government buildings. This dual strategy addresses a projected peak demand rise to 650 MW by 2031 and moves the state away from dependency on depleting natural gas reserves. The government's focus on modern technology aims to ensure development is not hindered by electricity shortages.

Key Points: Tripura's Hydrokinetic & Solar Push for Power Self-Sufficiency

  • 185 MW hydrokinetic power planned
  • 10 river sites identified
  • Rooftop solar target of 1,000 MW
  • Shift from depleting gas reserves
2 min read

Tripura identifies 10 river sites for hydrokinetic power projects: Power Minister

Tripura plans 185 MW from river currents at 10 sites & massive rooftop solar to achieve power self-sufficiency, moving beyond depleting gas reserves.

"If we fail to adopt new technology, we will be left behind. - Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath"

Agartala, Jan 3

Tripura is moving steadily towards power self-sufficiency by adopting new technologies, including hydrokinetic power generation from flowing rivers and large-scale rooftop solar installations, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said here on Saturday.

Addressing the 'Bhoomi Pujan' (inauguration) ceremony of the upcoming Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) building at Banamalipur, the Minister said the Power Department has decided to generate 185 MW of electricity using Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology, with 10 river locations already identified across the state.

Stressing the importance of technological adoption, Nath said development is closely linked with electricity availability.

"If we fail to adopt new technology, we will be left behind. Our government is focused on efficient use of power and modern solutions," he said.

The Minister said Rs 12.33 crore would be spent on the Super ECBC building, one of five such projects being constructed across the country, aimed at promoting energy efficiency.

He said Tripura currently requires around 378 MW of electricity during peak hour, which is projected to rise to 650 MW by 2031.

At present, the state provides an average of 23 hours and 54 minutes of power supply, with occasional trippings, he said, adding that the number of electricity consumers has increased to 10.57 lakh, up from 7.21 lakh before 2018, reflecting growing development.

Highlighting the state's solar push under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Nath said that if five lakh households install 2 kW rooftop solar panels, Tripura could generate 1,000 MW of power daily, significantly boosting self-reliance and power self-sufficiency.

He said the Power Department is also installing solar power systems in 2,000 government buildings, a project expected to be completed by next year and generate 80 MW of electricity.

So far, 15,000 consumers have installed rooftop solar systems, producing 6 MW of power, he added.

Pointing to the state's move away from depleting gas reserves, the Minister said hydrokinetic power offers vast potential.

He informed that the identified river sites include Chakmaghat, Maharani, Dumbur, Natunbazar, Kalsi, Manu, Kulai, Feni, Dhalai, and Sangan in Ampi, Lakhipur, and that work on the project would begin from next month.

Rajya Sabha member Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, and other dignitaries were present at the event.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Hope they conduct proper environmental impact studies for these river sites. We need green energy, but not at the cost of our rivers and the communities that depend on them. A balanced approach is key.
V
Vikram M
The numbers are impressive - from 7.21 lakh to 10.57 lakh consumers shows real development. 23 hours 54 minutes of average supply is something many bigger states can't claim. Good going Tripura!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in renewable energy, I find this very promising. Hydrokinetic tech is still emerging globally. If Tripura can implement this successfully, it could be a model for river-based power across India's many river systems.
R
Rohit P
The focus on rooftop solar under PM Surya Ghar Yojana is the real game-changer. 1000 MW potential from households is massive! Hope the subsidies and process are smooth so more people can adopt it.
K
Karthik V
While the vision is good, I hope the execution matches the announcement. We've seen many projects announced with great fanfare that get delayed or shelved. The proof will be when work actually begins next month and we see turbines in the rivers.
M
Meera T
Moving away from depleting gas reserves to renewable energy is the need of the hour

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