Guwahati: The Hydroelectric Power Corporation NHPC Limited has achieved the prestigious Navratna status from the Government of India for its high performance and significant contribution to the national economy. This status is expected to accelerate NHPC's growth trajectory, enhance competitiveness, and contribute significantly to India's energy security and sustainable development goals.
Recently, in an exclusive interview with Business North East (BNE), Chairman and Managing Director R. K Chaudhury shared insights on NHPC's strategic plans after achieving Navratna status.
NHPC Chairman & Managing Director
R.K. Chaudhury
Here are the excerpts from the Q&A interview:
BNE: What are NHPC’s expansion plans, and are there any new renewable energy initiatives?
CMD: NHPC has successfully commissioned 28 Power Projects aggregating to 7232.90 MW, comprising 22 Hydroelectric Projects with an aggregate installed capacity of 5551.20 MW on its own 1681.70 MW in JV in remote areas of the country, and the focus is on three key areas: capacity expansion, diversification of business, and global footprints.
Capacity expansion aims to be a company of about 15842 MW in the next 5 years and over 38000 MW in the next 10 years, leveraging its existing portfolio of 33 Power Projects aggregating to 23550 MW. The long-term trajectory is to be a 50,000 MW company by 2047, requiring an investment of approximately ₹ 3.50 Lac Crore.
NHPC's recently launched subsidiary company NREL (NHPC Renewable Energy Limited), designated as a Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) for the development of RE projects across the country, has commissioned 955.78 MW renewable energy projects under different modes, and 7960 MW of Solar Power Projects are under implementation.
A modern NHPC solar power installation in India, showcasing
renewable energy advancements (Google image)
BNE: What measures are being taken to improve operational efficiency and project execution timelines?
CMD: NHPC Ltd has implemented best practices in the investigation, design, construction, and environmental aspects of hydroelectric projects. Recent technological advancements include the use of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM) for tunnel construction at Kishanganga Hydro Power Station (HEP), Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) for faster concrete dam construction at Teesta Low Dam Project-IV, and deep cutoff walls, jet grouting technique, and permeation grouting for water seepage through and around dams.
Internationally used software, ICOLD Bulletins, techniques, and engineering codes are used for design flood estimation, sedimentation study, and hydrodynamic analysis for hydro-projects. Internationally accepted standards, guidelines, and codes (IS, EN, DIN, ASTM) are used for designing and analyzing civil and hydro-mechanical components of hydroelectric projects.
New materials have been developed for repairing and rehabilitating hydraulic structures - including High-Performance Concrete (HPC) up to 80 MPa and high-performance cementitious mortars conforming to EN 1504 part-3 (R4). NHPC has formulated its own R&M manual, which incorporates technical specifications and methodology for the use of HPC, R4 cementitious mortar, epoxy compounds, crystalline and Atactic Polypropylene Polymer (APP) as waterproofing material, geo-synthetics, gabions, etc.
Advanced technology is being implemented to minimize the impact of climate change on hydro projects, particularly in the Himalayan region. The GLOF study is conducted to identify potentially hazardous lakes and compute the flood resulting from the lake burst using the latest technology and software.
Advanced technological innovations include - security and surveillance systems for power stations, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), Gas Insulated Bus (GIB), EHV cables, and compartmentalization in GIS. Special coating on the runner and underwater parts enhances the life cycle.
NHPC uses a multilayer monitoring mechanism to ensure timely implementation of construction projects, with progress reporting done by a dedicated division at the Corporate Office. During monthly and quarterly Project Review Meetings (PRMs), key issues and progress are reviewed by senior management and updated on online platforms such as the PMG portal and OCMS.
BNE: How will NHPC ensure compliance with environmental regulations while pursuing new projects?
CMD: Hydropower projects can significantly impact the environment -ecosystem alterations, water quality, and sedimentation patterns. Compliance with environmental conditions is crucial for sustainable hydropower development. NHPC will adhere to National and State-level Environmental Regulations, which set guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), Environmental Management Plans (EMPs), and monitoring requirements. This includes securing clearances and permissions from authorities like MoEF&CC, the State Forest Department, the State Pollution Control Board, and water resource management bodies.
The MoEF&CC will conduct an EIA Study during clearance of the project for pre-construction activities, forming Environment Management Plans to mitigate adverse impacts and take ameliorative measures for sustainable development. An EMP outlines specific measures for mitigating environmental impacts and taking ameliorative measures for sustainable development. A Multi-Disciplinary Monitoring Committee will oversee the effective implementation of EMPs, with six-monthly progress reports submitted to MoEF&CC and the State Pollution Control Board.
Ensuring compliance with environmental conditions in hydropower projects requires diligent planning, mitigation measures, ongoing monitoring, and active stakeholder engagement.
BNE: What are NHPC's sustainability goals, and how does the company plan to achieve them in the coming years?
CMD: NHPC's unwavering commitment to sustainability goes beyond just achieving environmental conservation goals. It incorporates and prioritizes the well-being and safety of our employees, maintains efficient plant operations and actively contributes to the welfare of local communities in the vicinity of its business operations. As a staunch advocate for sustainability, the concerns have already been integrated into the company’s vision and mission statement. As a listed Navratna company, NHPC has embarked on the disclosure of its ESG initiatives through Sustainability Reporting and BRSR. This encompasses prioritizing sustainability initiatives based on Double Materiality Analysis and policy frameworks as a governance mechanism for their implementation in true spirit. Moreover, activities are also aligned with the Mission LiFE, PM Narendra Modi’s vision for promoting a sustainable lifestyle to combat Climate Change.
The performance of NHPC on the ESG landscape has been evaluated by S&P Global, based on its CSA survey and was awarded the ESG score of 48, in March 2024. Also, NHPC has been honoured with several awards for its excellence in diverse aspects of business operations. Thus, the sustainability goals of NHPC are to pursue initiatives that foster positive social impact, aligning with national development priorities while also supplementing the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
BNE: Please tell us about the progress of the 2000 MW Lower Subansiri hydroelectric power project (LSHEP).
CMD: The Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SBLHP) is a major hydroelectric project in India, located on the Subansiri River, a tributary of Brahmaputra. The project, sanctioned by the CCEA in 2003, began construction in January 2005. However, construction stopped abruptly from December 2011 to July 2019 as it was banned by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The project got clearance in July 2019. The project is currently in the advanced stage of construction, with three units scheduled to be commissioned in March 2025 and all units by May 2026. The project will benefit all seven northeastern states, five northern states/UTs, and five western states.
On June 29, 2023, the dam top elevation of EL 210 m was achieved in all blocks. Excavation and lining of HRT and Surge Tunnels have been completed. Civil works from Unit-1 to Unit-5 of the Power House have been completed, and work is in progress for Unit-6 to Unit-8. Out of nine, four radial gates have been completed, and draft tube gates have been completed. Dry-commissioning of Unit-1 & Unit-2 has been completed, and erection works from Unit-4 to 8 are in progress. The overall physical progress of the project is 93.88 per cent as of September 30, 2024.