Chief Minister Lays Foundation Stone for 24 Megawatt Turini Small Hydro Power Project

Hnahthial Post | January 19, 2025, Sesawng: Today, Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma laid the foundation stone for the 24 Megawatt Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project on the banks of the Tuirini River.

Pu K. Sapdanga, Home Minister, attended as the Guest of Honour, while Pu F. Rodingliana, Minister for Power & Electricity (P&E) chaired the foundation stone–laying programme. Pu B. Lalchhanzova, Minister for I&PR, and Lt. Col. Clement Lalhmingthana, MLA, accompanied the Chief Minister.

The power plant will be implemented as an Externally Aided Project at a total cost of Rs. 676.98 crore, funded through a loan from the New Development Bank (NDB), Shanghai.

In his address, the Chief Minister highly appreciated the dedication and commitment of the Power Minister and the officials of the P&E Department in advancing the State’s power generation sector and expressed his gratitude to them. He recalled that in the previous month, the 10 MW Thenzawl Solar Power Plant was inaugurated, and a 5 MW Solar Power Plant at Sumsuih is currently under construction, with about 20% of the work already completed. Both the Thenzawl and Sumsuih solar plants are fully owned by the Government of Mizoram.

Other key points highlighted by the Chief Minister:

1. Tuivai Hydro Electric Project:

The Central Water Commission (CWC) had initially designed the project for a capacity of 210 MW. However, as the reservoir would submerge certain areas of Manipur, it was considered sensitive, and the plan was revised to 132 MW. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, approved the preparation of the DPR, selection of a suitable private developer, issuance of tender, and signing of agreements by the State Government. For this purpose, Rs. 2.3 crore was sanctioned for appointing a Transaction Adviser. The globally reputed firm Ernst & Young LLP has been engaged. The DPR has now been completed, and once financial arrangements are finalized, construction of the dam can commence.

2. Tlawng Hydro Project:

The DPR for the Tlawng Hydro Project is currently under review by the CWC. The crucial geological investigation work (Drifting Work) has been entrusted to M/S Benjamin Lalparmawia, Hlimen, through a work order issued on 3 January 2023. The DPR is expected to be completed by September 2026.

3. Expansion of Solar Power Generation:

To enhance solar power generation, an Expression of Interest (EOI) has been issued to private developers for setting up solar plants at five locations. The developers are expected to be selected shortly.

The locations are:

Tumtuitlang,

Serchhip Vengchung Bawkmual,

Hmunhmeltha,

Denlung area, Hnahthial

Tlabung Tlang, Lallen,

Dawhzau Zau, Lamzawl.

Additionally, 75 Village Councils have already submitted written consent offering land within their jurisdictions for setting up solar plants. The Government intends to pursue these initiatives progressively.

4. Rooftop Solar:

A total of 791 rooftop solar installations have been completed so far, with a combined installed capacity of about 2.62 MW. This achievement has been possible due to 60% Central subsidy along with an additional 20–25% State subsidy (depending on location).

5. Pump Storage Project:

A Pump Storage Project is also being planned at Tuichang Lui, close to the Vankal Solar Park. The project aims to pump water to higher elevations during low-demand periods and generate power during peak demand, or alternatively, sell power through trading.

5. Power Purchase and Trading:

Although Mizoram is not yet fully self-reliant in power generation, it has long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Central Generating Stations. At times when the State is unable to fully utilize its allocated quota, surplus power—especially during daytime or late-night hours—is available for trading. Since the State Government pays its power bills on time, it is able to sell this surplus power. Delays beyond 70 days from the invoice date can lead to restrictions by NERLDC, blocking power trading. Because Mizoram consistently pays bills on time, it receives rebates and is allowed unrestricted power trading.

Total revenue from power trading so far: Rs. 172,08,65,724

Net profit from power trading: Rs. 87,21,40,250

Total rebates received for timely bill payment: Rs. 6,57,93,152

Overall financial gain due to timely payments and trading: Rs. 93,79,33,402.

The Chief Minister expressed his best wishes to all those responsible for the successful implementation of the 24 MW Tuirini Project and appealed to the people of the surrounding areas to extend full cooperation to the Government’s development initiatives.

Brief background of the Tuirini Project:

On 5 February 2024, the P&E Department submitted the proposal to the State Government under the Externally Aided Project (EAP) framework. It was examined and approved by the State Level Screening Committee on 4 April 2024. The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) Screening Committee approved external funding on 28 February 2025. The project will be funded by the New Development Bank, with 80% of the project cost as loan, to be borne by the Central Government, and 20% to be contributed by the State Government. The total project cost is Rs. 676.98 crore, and the project is planned to be completed within five years.