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CEA outlines transmission master plan for 76GW of hydro and pumped storage in Brahmaputra Basin
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) in India has finalised a detailed Master Plan for Evacuation of Power from Hydroelectric Plants in the Brahmaputra Basin, setting out the framework for transmitting up to 76GW of hydroelectric and pumped storage capacity from India’s most resource-rich river system. The plan covers 64.9GW of conventional hydro potential (projects
above 25MW) and an additional 11.1GW from proposed pumped storage plants (PSPs). Together, these projects span 12 sub-basins, including the Siang, Subansiri, Dibang, Lohit, and Barak systems across Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and West Bengal. The transmission development is divided into two timeframes – up
to 2035 and beyond 2035 – to match the expected commissioning schedules of hydro projects. By 2035, the plan calls for: 9,922 circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines, including 6,000 ckm of HVDC corridors 41,760 MVA of transformation capacity, including 12 GW of HVDC transfer capability
Beyond 2035, an additional:
21,475 ckm of lines (15,000 ckm HVDC) 68,175 MVA of transformation capacity (30 GW HVDC)
In total, the plan envisions 31,397 ckm of new transmission infrastructure and 109,935 MVA/MW of transformation and DC transfer capacity.
Arunachal Pradesh dominates the hydropower profile, accounting for more than 80% of the total installed potential, with Siang (18.7GW), Subansiri (12.3GW), and Dibang (8.8GW) as key contributors. Other significant basins include Lohit (6.8GW), Kameng (3.3GW), and Barak (4.6GW). The pumped storage component (11.1GW) is distributed mainly in
the Barak and Kalang (Kopili) sub-basins. Notable schemes include: Panyor PSP (660MW) – Arunachal Pradesh Wah Umiam PSP (800MW) – Meghalaya Longtharai PSP (800MW) – Tripura Ouguri PSP (900MW) and Tharakunji PSP (900MW) – Assam Daizo Lui PSP (2,400MW) and Tuiphai Lui PSP (1,650MW) – Mizoram
The master plan identifies 40 major pooling stations and HVDC terminals, including key nodes at Namsai, Roing, Niglok, Gogamukh, Rowta, Silapathar, and Melriat-II. HVDC corridors will form the backbone for bulk power transfer from the North Eastern Region to the national grid. The total estimated investment for transmission infrastructure is
approximately ₹6.43 lakh crore, including ₹1.91 lakh crore for the pre-2035 phase and ₹4.52 lakh crore for works beyond 2035. CEA stated that implementation will proceed in stages, guided by
project readiness and applications received by designated nodal agencies. Transmission elements will adhere to the CEA Manual on Transmission Planning Criteria, and future adjustments – such as higher-capacity HVDC or hybrid AC-DC systems – will be considered depending on technology and system requirements. The report highlights that the plan is intended to give developers and state utilities early visibility of transmission corridors, enabling coordinated scheduling of generation and grid integration. It is also expected to strengthen inter-regional connectivity and improve reliability of renewable energy supply from the North Eastern Region. “The Brahmaputra basin represents the single largest untapped
hydroelectric zone in the country,” CEA officials noted. “This master plan ensures that transmission readiness will not be a bottleneck as projects move forward.”
Canada
Canada invests in Indigenous-led hydropower projects in Quebec The Government of Canada has announced nearly $17 million in federal funding for two Indigenous-led hydropower projects in Quebec aimed at reducing diesel dependence and advancing community energy autonomy. Brendan Hanley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. The funding will support the 7.5MW Innavik Remote Hydro Project in Inukjuak and a feasibility initiative to develop a 17MW hydroelectric plant at the Matawin dam near Saint-Michel-des-Saints. The Innavik Remote Hydro Project, a run-of- river facility, replaces nearly all diesel generation in the Nunavik community of Inukjuak. Jointly owned by the Pituvik Landholding Corporation and Innergex Renewable Energy, the project is the largest off-grid hydropower installation in Canada and supplies clean electricity to approximately 1800 residents.
The Matawak Hydroelectric Power Plant
project, led by Énergie Matawak S.E.C., represents a partnership between the Atikamekw Nation of Manawan and the Innu Nation of Lac-Saint-Jean. Planned at the existing Hydro-Québec Matawin dam on the Lac Taureau reservoir, the 17MW plant would help meet local energy needs and generate long-term revenue for the participating Nations. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Federal support comes through two
programs: $14.9 million from the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program for Innavik, and over $1.7 million from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) for Matawak. Minister Hodgson said: “The Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation and supporting clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. In collaboration with governments, Indigenous partners and the energy sector, we are investing in initiatives to create economic growth in communities while tackling climate change.” Hanley added: “I am proud to see the largest
off-grid hydropower project in Canada come to life and the exploration of more community- led initiatives in Canada’s Northern regions. These projects are a powerful example of what’s possible when Indigenous leadership and community vision come together, not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on diesel but also to strengthen energy independence and create lasting social and economic benefits for communities. We are proud to support initiatives like this that build a cleaner, more inclusive energy future for all Canadians.” Tommy Palliser, President of the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, said: “The Innavik Hydro Project is an affirmation of a sustainable future for the Inuit community of Inukjuak. The project realizes a 20-year vision for Inuit-led and co-owned clean energy infrastructure that generates impacts for the Inuit beneficiaries of our community, through proactive and positive partnership with Innergex Renewable Energy, supported by the Governments of Canada and Quebec.”
Michel Letellier, President and CEO of Innergex
www.waterpowermagazine.com | November 2025 | 5
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