NHPC Plans to Develop Hydro Project Worth 155 MW, Solar Projects Worth 50 MW in Ladakh

NHPC has announced that it is planning to develop three hydropower projects with a total capacity of 155 megawatt (MW) in Ladakh along with a solar project of 50 MW capacity.

A K Singh, chief managing director, NHPC, presented a future plan to R K Mathur, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, to develop three hydropower projects at Khalsi with 80 MW, Kanyunche with 45 MW, and Takmaching with 30 MW in Ladakh with a solar project at Phyang.

“While explaining the techno-commercial viability of projects, NHPC proposed that taking advantage of high solar irradiance of the region, blending of hydro power with solar power may also be explored,” said a press release.

NHPC has already commissioned 45 MW Nimmo Bazgo in Leh and 44 MW Chutak hydropower projects in Kargil.

“The Lt. Governor asked NHPC to have an in-depth analysis of the techno-commercial viability of future projects and assured all possible support from Ladakh in order to facilitate expeditious development of these power projects,” the release added.

NHPC’s board  had approved the proposal to foray into solar power business. Until now it was mainly into hydropower generation. The state-run PSU has an installation base of 7,071.2 MW from 24 power stations on ownership basis including projects taken up in joint ventures.