What's New

Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project Completes Successful Trial Run

Why in the News ?

The Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Himachal Pradesh successfully completed the trial run of Unit 2 (200 MW). This marks a key step toward full-scale operation, contributing 800 MW to India’s renewable energy capacity upon completion.

Project Overview and Trial Run:

• The Parbati-II Hydroelectric Project in Sainj, Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful trial run of Unit 2 (200 MW).
• Developed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the project harnesses the hydro potential of the Parbati River, a key tributary of the Beas.
• The trial run of Unit 2 paves the way for the project’s full-scale operation.

Infrastructure and Capacity

• The project includes a concrete gravity dam at Village Pulga and a 52 km head race tunnel, which channels water to a powerhouse in Suind village.
• The project’s total installed capacity is 800 MW, distributed across four units of 200 MW
• Upon full commissioning, the project is expected to generate 3,074 million units of electricity annually, contributing significantly to India’s clean energy output.

Project Delays and Future Outlook

• Initiated in 2003, the project faced multiple delays, originally set for completion in 2010, due to complex geological conditions, tunnelling issues, and extreme weather events.
• The successful trial of Unit 2 marks a major step toward the project’s final completion and its enhanced clean energy generation, ensuring a substantial contribution to the nation’s renewable energy capacity.