Minister K.G Kenye commissions 2.4 MW Duilumroi hydro electric project at Poilwa on May 23. (Morung Photo)
Projected to save state Rs 6.5 crore annually in power purchase
Our Correspondent
Peren | May 23
The Nagaland Power Department on Friday commissioned the 2.4 MW Duilumroi Small Hydro Electric Project at Poilwa village under Peren district, which is expected to save the state exchequer around Rs 6.5 crore annually in power purchase costs.
Speaking at the inauguration at Duilumroi Power House, Minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G Kenye said Nagaland may not have many large hydro project capacities or prospects, but is endowed with natural resources and favourable locations that need to be harnessed.
"In terms of small and mini hydro projects, we have great potential. Our land has many streams and small rivers through which the state can meet its own energy needs," Kenye said.
He noted that in more than 60 years of statehood, Nagaland has been able to generate only 26 MW of power. “Our population is increasing and the demand for energy is increasing, but we are unable to meet the requirements of our own citizens,” he stated.
The minister underscored the need to harness natural resources that otherwise flow into the oceans unused. He also urged engineers to identify and develop more potential areas.
Nagaland is a power deficit state, with a peak demand of 193 MW. The state relies on power imports to meet 95 per cent of its requirement during the lean season and 90 per cent during the monsoon.
The inaugural function was also addressed by Asangla Imti, Secretary, Power; Er Kasho Chishi, Chief Engineer (T&G); and Er Penrithung Yanthan, retired Chief Engineer (T&G). The programme was chaired by Er Nitovi A. Wotsa, Chief Engineer (D&R), while the vote of thanks was delivered by Er R. Lobosang Jamir, Additional Chief Engineer (D&R).
MLAs P. Longon, Dr Neisatuo Mero, Nuklutoshi, and B. Bangtick Phom were also present.
About Duilumroi Small Hydro Project
Er Visakho Therie, Additional Chief Engineer (Civil), Power Department, said the Duilumroi Small Hydro Project was conceptualised as a "run-of-the-river" type small hydro electric project on the Duilumroi river.
Construction work began in April 2021, with major components awarded to Hyderabad-based firm M/s Prakriti Technics Pvt. Ltd. under EPC contract mode.
The project has an installed capacity of 2.4 MW, with a net head of 165 metres and a design discharge of 1.72 cumecs. It is expected to generate 11.95 million units annually at 60 per cent Plant Load Factor (PLF).
The substation is synchronised with the grid and the power is evacuated through a 33 kV transmission line to the 132/33 kV substation at Kohima via Zubza.
With a total project cost of Rs 40.29 crore and unit generation cost of Rs 5.51 per unit, the project is estimated to save the state approximately Rs 6.5 crore annually on power purchases.
Therie said the project aligns with Government of India guidelines on capacity addition in the generation sector and supports Nagaland's compliance with Renewable Energy Purchase Obligations.
