HT Correspondent
DIMAPUR, June 5: Nagaland power and parliamentary affairs minister KG Kenye on Thursday virtually inaugurated the 1 MW Ponglefo Small Hydro Electric Project (SHP), a run-of-the-river power project, at Salomi village under Kiphire district.
It is designed to generate approximately 3.9 million units (MU) of electricity annually.
This project, developed by the Nagaland power department, aims to enhance the state’s power generation capacity using clean and renewable energy.
It utilises the natural flow of the Likimo river, a tributary of the Tizu river, which is a perennial river in the eastern region of Nagaland.
The project was funded jointly by the Union ministry of new and renewable energy, the North Eastern Council (NEC) and the state government.
It consists of two generating units of 500 KW each, using horizontal Francis turbines.
The power plant is supported by well-designed civil structures and an advanced electro-mechanical system, all tailored to the region’s challenging terrain.
Connected to the state grid, the Ponglefo SHP will play an important role in improving the power supply in the region and promoting economic development.
In his inaugural speech, Kenye highlighted the abundance of natural resources in the state.
He stressed that it was time to focus and concentrate on exploring and tapping the potential of the state’s natural resources.
Kenye said all small and mini hydro projects, including solar, bio or any kind of clean energy producing avenues, will be explored for production and generation of energy in the state.
He further said doors are open for the international community to invest in the power sector, especially focusing on the sector of production and energy generation.