Arunachal Pradesh government has inked a deal with Norway’s Tidal Sail AS to launch a 500-kW River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Project, marking the inception of India’s first such plant in the state. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed as part of the India-Norway Green Partnership, involving the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) and the Arunachal Pradesh government.
The project, supported by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Innovation Norway, aims to showcase a technology that can generate electricity directly from river currents, eliminating the need for extensive civil infrastructure. This initiative offers a sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution for the region.
During the signing ceremony in New Delhi, State’s Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul hailed the agreement as a significant step towards Arunachal Pradesh’s transition to clean energy. Pul emphasized the importance of innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration in the partnership, highlighting the state’s abundant renewable energy potential from its river systems.
Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener praised Arunachal Pradesh’s river networks as an ideal setting for demonstrating river kinetic energy technology, which can complement existing renewable energy sources and bolster long-term energy security. Stener underscored the growing cooperation between Norway and Arunachal Pradesh in various energy-related sectors, reaffirming Norway’s dedication to promoting green technologies and fostering knowledge partnerships.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage outlined that the demonstration project will enhance the state’s renewable energy mix and explore decentralized power generation for remote regions. The successful implementation of this technology could lead to reduced reliance on fossil fuels, decreased carbon emissions, preservation of river ecosystems, and positioning Arunachal Pradesh as a frontrunner in innovative renewable energy solutions.
