Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200-million loan to improve the quality, efficiency, and reliability of power supply in Uttarakhand.
Project Scope
The project will modernize capital city Dehradun’s power network infrastructure by introducing an advanced and climate-resilient underground cable system comprising 537 km of underground cables, 354 ring main units, and 99 compact substations. Additionally, it will enhance the current power system by installing upstream substations and their associated power lines that will help meet increasing electricity demand, reduce network congestion, and improve power distribution reliability in urban and suburban areas.
Improving livesEnergy
“This project will help Uttarakhand in achieving its goal of providing 24×7 power to its residents and transitioning to the use of clean energy,” said ADB Senior Specialist Jaimes Kolantharaj. “Rehabilitating, upgrading, and modernizing power facilities will contribute to improving lives and sustaining economic growth in the state.”
Empowering women SHGs
The project will empower women self-help groups (SHG) in rural hilly districts, providing them with access to renewable energy sources and energy-efficient equipment to enhance their livelihoods. ADB will facilitate training programs for communities, focusing on energy conservation and business management skills, while also conducting awareness and educational activities in schools to promote opportunities for employment in the energy sector. The project will involve nongovernmental organizations in implementing and monitoring the livelihood activities.
The Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, financed by the Government of Japan through ADB, will provide a $2 million grant to support livelihood enhancement, training, and awareness-raising activities of the project.
Supporting state utilities
ADB will support the capacity development of the Power Transmission Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd and the Uttarakhand Power Corporation Ltd by conducting leadership courses and project management programs to develop climate-resilient power sector projects. It will also collaborate with the Energy Department to formulate an energy transition road map to support Uttarakhand’s low-carbon transition.
Also read: ADB To Finance Major Power Sector Upgrade In Tripura
Featured photograph sourced from Asian Development Bank
