Arunachal Pradesh and NHPC Limited have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for the development of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydropower Project, marking a major milestone for one of India’s largest proposed hydropower developments.
The agreement was signed in the presence of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, senior state government officials and representatives from NHPC. The project is located in the Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh and is expected to play a significant role in strengthening India’s clean energy infrastructure and long-term energy security.
Under the agreement, NHPC will undertake preliminary investigations, prepare the Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) and Detailed Project Report (DPR), arrange financing and subsequently develop, commission, operate and maintain the project. The hydropower project will be developed on the Dri and Tangon rivers in the Dibang Basin and is proposed to be implemented under the Build, Own, Operate and Transfer (BOOT) model. The lease period for the project will extend for 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD).
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The Etalin project is planned as a run-of-the-river hydropower scheme in accordance with the Arunachal Pradesh Hydro Power Policy. Once commissioned, it is expected to become one of the largest hydropower projects in India and contribute significantly to the country’s renewable energy capacity.
Speaking on the occasion, NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Shri Bhupender Gupta said the project reflects the shared commitment of NHPC and the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to harness the state’s vast hydropower potential in a sustainable, environmentally responsible and community-centric manner. He noted that the project is expected to generate long-term socio-economic benefits while creating development and livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Shri Gupta further stated that the Etalin Hydropower Project has the potential to become the largest hydroelectric project in India upon completion and will make a meaningful contribution to the nation’s clean energy transition, energy security and sustainable development goals.
The project is also expected to support infrastructure development in the region, attract investment and create employment opportunities during both the construction and operational phases. Arunachal Pradesh is widely regarded as one of India’s most resource-rich states in terms of hydropower potential, making projects such as Etalin strategically important for the country’s future power requirements.
As India continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio and strengthen grid reliability, large-scale hydropower projects are expected to play a complementary role alongside solar, wind and energy storage technologies. The signing of the agreement represents an important step toward unlocking the hydropower potential of the Northeast and advancing India’s long-term clean energy ambitions.
With a planned capacity of 3,097 MW, the Etalin Hydropower Project remains one of the most closely watched energy infrastructure developments in the country and is expected to be a key contributor to India’s sustainable energy future.
