Hitachi Energy in India said that it would continue its endeavour to enable clean and affordable power in the country.
This statement was made in the context of the 1,000-mw Pakal Dul hydropower project of NHPC, currently under construction in Jammu & Kashmir. In a release, N. Venu, MD & CEO, India and South Asia,, Hitachi Energy said, “It is yet another milestone project for Hitachi Energy in India and forms part of our long-term carbon-neutral vision where we lend support in decarbonizing society and the environment.”
Hitachi Energy in India is involved in the Pakal Dul project as a supplier of generator transformers and control & protection systems.
It may be mentioned that Germany-based Voith Hydro, which operates the site, chose Hitachi Energy for its generator transformers and control and protection system to ensure uninterrupted efficient, and safe transmission of power at higher voltages from the hydropower plant, the release said.
The design of the transformers took into account stringent constraints on weight and dimensions to ensure safe transport within the hilly terrain. The control and protection solution, a critical system in any power network, was chosen by the customer for its high reliability and flexibility. It is based on advanced communication protocols and is compliant with the latest cybersecurity standards for power systems, the release observed.
Pakal Dul HEP
Originating from an elevation of more than 16,404 ft, Marusudar is the biggest tributary of the Chenab river. Covered with glaciers, it falls north to south into a fan-shaped catchment in Jammu and Kashmir, passing through a mountainous terrain full of steep slopes, high cliffs, and sharp bends. On its course, it gathers enough velocity to generate clean power for over a 1,00,000 people in J&K.
The project is being implemented by Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd [CVPPPL] that is a joint venture between NHPC Ltd and Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Ltd.
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The Pakal Dul Power Project, situated on the Marusudar is possibly the biggest hydroelectric project in J&K, constituting a 548-ft-tall concrete-face rockfill dam expected to enhance the region’s power generation capacity through nature’s bounty. Underpinning this mammoth project is an underground powerhouse, capable of generating 1,000 mw of green electricity.
The Pakal Dul power plant, expected to be completed by 2025, will bring India closer to its commitment to that target as well as to the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, another example of Hitachi Energy advancing a sustainable energy future for all, the release noted.
Hitachi Energy in India operates under the legal entity name “ABB Power Products and Systems India Ltd”. The process of changing the official name to “Hitachi Energy India Ltd” is currently underway.
Clean Energy goals
India aims to achieve about 60 per cent clean energy over the coming ten years from more than 40 per cent to date. Hydropower accounts for about 12 per cent or 46,209 mw of the current mix. There is an estimated potential of 145,000 mw at 60 per cent plant load factor, the release from Hitachi Energy in India said.
Featured photograph is a file picture showing excavation works at the outlet of the diversion tunnel (Photo: CVPPPL)
