Revival of the Dumbur Hydroelectric Project in Tripura Is Gathering Momentum
The Dumbur hydroelectric project in Tripura, which had been lying moribund for some time, is again on the revival path. A recent study conducted by a six-member team from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Ltd is helping lay the foundation for the plant’s restoration. Located in the Gomati district of Tripura, the project has been lying inoperative after unprecedented floods damaged it in September this year.
Dumbur Hydro Electric project commissioned in 1984, is part of the power generation infrastructure of the state of Tripura. The September flood damaged the infrastructure of this plant severely and has resulted in its shut down. Yet the situation is creating a crisis in the energy demands of the state and the Government of Tripura has strived hard to provide solution for reviving this project.
To revive the situation, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd. has engaged the NHPC as a consultant. Recently, a six-member team of experts from NHPC has visited the site of Dumbur hydroelectric project to make an assessment of damages done and the avenues available for revival.
Revival Plan:
The NHPC team had spent three days on site in detail to understand various issues like the degree of damage, possibilities of recovery, and viability for enhanced generation of power. This marked one of the crucial steps for reviving the process wherein they had seen all aspects and issues the restoration might offer the project.
The principal aim of the revival proposal is to get back the plant with enhanced capacity so that it can provide its fullest contribution towards generation in the state. According to TSECL, the Dumbur hydroelectric project would not only meet but fulfill the Renewable Power Obligation that forms a regulatory compulsion on states to take the percentage share of electricity produced from renewable sources to the stipulated level.
DPR not submitted till date
The next very critical step would be preparation of a detailed project report which would guide the manner in which the restoration of the plant would be done, detailing technical specifications, financial projections, and timelines. Once this report is prepared, it will then guide the concerned Tripura government on final decisions for the redevelopment of the plant.
TSECL is waiting for DPR from NHPC. DPR would study the feasibility for the revival of the plant with better suggestions on its improvement so that the generation capacity could be increased. The government of Tripura would take decisions over this part of the project after getting their hands on the DPR. The capacity of the power generation of the DPR can even enhance the capacity up to 15 MW/day.
The project is economically viable. If one considers the renewable energy component, then there is a lot of promise in Dumbur for hydroelectric projects. From the economic point of view of perspective, one of the biggest advantages of hydropower generation electricity provided through the hydraulic source compares well with that offered through the gas-based power station- cost efficiency.
The cost of producing electricity at Dumbur hydroelectric project is far cheaper compared to the gas-based power plants in the northeastern region. While the cost per unit of electricity generation in Dumbur stands at around Rs 3.86, the similar gas-based plants in Tripura are generating electricity at around Rs 5.90 per unit. The power generation thus fulfils the hydroelectric needs of the state and also does it cheaper compared to the rest of the power generations.
Importance of Hydroelectric Plant to States
Redevelopment of the Dumbur hydroelectric project is strategically important for Tripura. As the energy demand of the state is continuously on the increase, then steady and affordable power supply is required for the economic development of the state. This is all to become a reality with the restoration and upgradation of the Dumbur plant: improved state energy security and a reduction in dependence on fossil fuel, and it helps in meeting national objectives through increasing the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix.
Furthermore, it would have a much lower carbon footprint from Tripura since it would rely on clean, renewable sources of energy through the resurrected hydroelectric project. Hydroelectric power is among the cleanest sources of power since it has no toxic emissions and has much fewer impacts on the environment than a power-generating plant that relies on fossil fuels.
Long-term benefits for Tripura
There will be several long-term advantages by reviving the Dumbur hydroelectric project. This, in addition to enhancing renewable capacity for the state, shall provide employment at the stages of construction, maintenance, and operation. Electricity is going to be an important input for industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and services; and there is likely to be its benefit for the local economy.
Reviving the plant will help attract further investments in green energy infrastructure into the state and thus at the forefront of renewable energy production in the northeastern region. Given this growing demand for clean energy solutions, Tripura could play an important role within the Indian renewable energy scenario.
Conclusion
With TSECL and NHPC doing a great job, the Dumbur hydroelectric project is soon going to experience a great revival. With a Detailed Project Report already under the making, the project will soon regain its potential. Restoration of this project would be helpful for the state to fill all the electricity needs of Tripura, fulfill all renewable energy targets of the state, save electricity generation cost, and bring overall development in the state.
This is an important step forward for Tripura in the direction of energy security and economic sustainability. This revival of Dumbur hydroelectric in a scenario in which the state is looking at increased energy demand may also turn out to be a model for other parts of India in their search for solutions in renewable energy.
Source: PTI, Tripura State Electricity Corporation (TSECL) reports.