India's Hydropower Vision: A Comprehensive Transmission Plan for Brahmaputra Basin
Amidst China's ambitious Brahmaputra dam project in Tibet, India is strategically gearing up to harness its own hydropower potential. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has unveiled a master plan for a comprehensive transmission system, aiming to evacuate approximately 65 GW of hydropower from the Brahmaputra basin. This ambitious project envisions a significant development of transmission infrastructure, including 31,000 circuit kilometers, 68 Gigavolt-Amperes of transformation capacity, and 42 Giga Watts of HVDC, all by 2035 and beyond.
The Brahmaputra basin, a powerhouse of hydropower potential, boasts an estimated 65 GW capacity, with 4,807 MW already operational and 2,000 MW under construction. The CEA's master plan provides a roadmap for developers, ensuring a clear vision for power evacuation from hydroelectric projects. This strategic move addresses the critical need for a robust transmission system to harness the basin's vast hydro potential.
However, India's hydropower ambitions face challenges. The proposed 11,200 MW Upper Siang multipurpose project in Arunachal Pradesh, intended to counter China's Brahmaputra dam, has encountered delays due to stiff opposition from locals. Concerns over environmental impact and livelihoods have hindered the project's progress, highlighting the complexities of hydropower development in sensitive regions.
The CEA's report, 'Reassessment of Hydroelectric Potential in the Country,' reveals a substantial exploitable hydro potential of 62,726.7 MW in the Brahmaputra basin alone, with 206 large hydroelectric projects identified. This underscores the immense potential for hydropower development in the region. The North East Regional Electricity Grid, covering seven states, further emphasizes the importance of hydropower in meeting the region's energy demands.
As India continues to refine its hydropower strategy, the CEA's master plan serves as a crucial step towards a sustainable and self-sufficient energy future. The challenge lies in balancing development with environmental considerations and local community engagement, ensuring that India's hydropower vision becomes a reality while respecting the needs and concerns of those affected.
