India’s First River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Plant to Come Up in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway-based Tidal Sail AS to establish India’s first 500 kW river kinetic energy demonstration project, marking a significant step towards clean and sustainable energy generation. The agreement was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences and Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership, with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Innovation Norway.

The demonstration project will showcase advanced technology that generates electricity directly from river currents without the need for large dams or major civil infrastructure. The initiative is expected to provide an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution, particularly for remote and inaccessible regions.

Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the partnership as a milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s clean energy transition. She said the state’s vast river systems offer immense renewable energy potential and expressed confidence that the project would strengthen energy security while ensuring the responsible use of natural resources. Pul also thanked the Government of India, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway and other partner organisations for their support.

Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Arunachal Pradesh is an ideal location to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology, adding that the project reflects growing cooperation between Norway and the state in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and green innovation. CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the initiative would help diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio and promote decentralised power generation.