Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project Inaugurated in Assam

The Prime Minister recently virtually inaugurated the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project in Assam. The project is an important step towards strengthening clean energy infrastructure in Northeast India and enhancing regional power generation capacity. It also supports India’s broader goals of expanding renewable energy and improving electricity availability in remote and hilly regions.

Overview of the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project

The Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project is a 120 megawatt run-of-river hydropower project developed in the Kopili River basin in Assam. Run-of-river projects generate electricity without creating large reservoirs, using the natural flow of river water. The project is located across the West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao (North Cachar Hills) Autonomous District Council areas in central Assam.

Project Development and Funding

The project is being developed and is currently owned by the Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), the state-owned power generation utility. Financial support for the project has been provided by the Asian Development Bank under its Assam Power Sector Investment Program. The initiative aims to strengthen Assam’s power sector by improving generation capacity, transmission systems and energy reliability.

Role in Regional Energy Development

The Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project is expected to improve electricity supply in Assam and neighbouring regions. Hydropower projects in the Northeast are significant because the region has abundant river resources and high hydropower potential. Such projects contribute to cleaner energy production and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting economic development in remote districts.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project is a 120 MW run-of-river hydropower project in Assam.
• It is located in the West Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Autonomous District Council areas.
• The project is developed by Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL).
• It is funded by the Asian Development Bank under the Assam Power Sector Investment Program.

Key Facts about the Kopili River

The Kopili River is an interstate river flowing through Meghalaya and Assam in Northeast India. It originates from the Meghalaya Plateau and flows through the districts of Karbi Anglong and Nagaon before joining the Brahmaputra River. The river is the largest south bank tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam. Its total length is about 256 kilometres, of which around 78 kilometres form the boundary between Meghalaya and Assam, while the remaining 178 kilometres flow within Assam.