Context:
- Underlining the state's commitment to harnessing its hydroelectric potential, the government of Himachal Pradesh has announced the initiation of Jangi Thopan Powari Hydro Power Project.
Key Points:
- As per the plans envisaged by the state government in this regard, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), a state government undertaking, has been entrusted with the execution of the 780 MW Jangi Thopan Powari Hydro Power Project.
Project overview:
- The Jangi Thopan Powari Hydro Power Project has an installed capacity of 780 MW.
- It is one of the 22 hydroelectric projects allotted by the Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) to HPPCL for development under the state sector.
- With this addition, the total allotted potential to HPPCL stands at 3,147 MW, including the 660 MW Kishau Multipurpose Project.
The execution of the 780 MW Jangi Thopan Powari Hydro Power Project by HPPCL is a significant step towards the state's goal of harnessing its hydroelectric potential.
As a well-renowned power generating utility, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited is equipped with the necessary technical and organizational capabilities to undertake such large-scale projects. The successful completion of this project will contribute to the state's overall power generation capacity and economic development, while creating new avenues of employment generation for local youth.
Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited’s role and objectives:
- Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited was incorporated in December 2006 with the objective to plan, promote, and organize the development of power generation on behalf of the Government of Himachal Pradesh. The corporation's mission is to bring prosperity to the state by harnessing its hydroelectric potential in various river basins.
HPCL’s functions include:
- Execution and commissioning of allotted hydroelectric power projects
- Preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new projects
- Installation of thermal power plants
- Development of non-conventional/renewable energy projects
Progress and targets
- As of January 2024, Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited’s is executing five hydroelectric projects with a total installed capacity of 856 MW. The corporation has set targets to develop 281 MW of power generation capacity by March 2021 and 861 MW by 2024.
- HPPCL has already commissioned a 5 MW solar power project at Berra Dol, near Shri Naina Devi Ji Shrine in Bilaspur district. Besides, the corporation is also in the process of setting up a 10 MW solar power project at Aghlor in Una district.