JSW Energy has marked a major milestone in India’s renewable energy sector by commissioning the first 80 MW unit of its 240 MW Kutehr Hydroelectric Power Plant, located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. This achievement reflects the company’s growing focus on clean energy and is a significant step toward increasing the share of hydroelectricity in India’s energy mix. The Kutehr Hydro Project consists of three units of 80 MW each, and with the commissioning of the first unit, JSW Energy has begun generating and supplying electricity to the power grid. The project is a run-of-the-river hydro plant, which means it uses the natural flow of the river without the need for a large dam or reservoir, making it an environmentally friendly power source.
This hydro project is not only important for JSW Energy but also for the state of Himachal Pradesh and the power sector of north India, particularly Haryana. The power from the Kutehr plant is being supplied under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with the Haryana Power Purchase Centre (HPPC). This agreement is valid for 35 years and includes the supply of the entire 240 MW at a ceiling tariff of ₹4.50 per kilowatt hour. This stable power supply will be crucial in helping Haryana meet its Hydro Purchase Obligation (HPO) and provide cleaner energy to its residents. The electricity from the plant is already being dispatched to the state’s power distribution companies – Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (UHBVN) and Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN).
With the commissioning of the first unit, JSW Energy has increased its total hydro power capacity to approximately 1,471 MW. This also pushes the company’s renewable energy portfolio to 56% of its total capacity, reflecting its strategy to shift toward greener energy sources. JSW Energy has ambitious long-term goals, aiming to reach 30 GW of total generation capacity and 40 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2030. It is also committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2050, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The Kutehr project is also notable for its speedy execution. It is considered one of the fastest-built greenfield hydro projects in India. The synchronization of the second 80 MW unit with the grid has already been completed, and it is currently undergoing trial operations. The third and final unit is expected to be operational in the coming weeks, bringing the total plant capacity to 240 MW. Once all units are fully operational, the plant will significantly contribute to the region’s clean energy supply and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
JSW Energy’s performance in executing this hydro project efficiently shows its strength in project development and management. The company has managed to complete this project in a challenging mountainous terrain while meeting quality and safety standards. The successful commissioning also demonstrates how hydroelectric projects, when executed responsibly, can provide reliable power while minimizing environmental impact.
This development fits into the broader national objective of boosting the share of renewable energy in India’s electricity generation. With India aiming to reach 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030, projects like Kutehr are essential in achieving that target. Hydropower, with its ability to provide grid stability and peak-time support, remains a vital part of the renewable energy mix.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the first 80 MW unit of the Kutehr Hydro Plant marks an important step in JSW Energy’s clean energy journey. It strengthens the company’s renewable footprint, supports regional energy needs, and contributes meaningfully to India’s sustainable energy future. With two more units soon to follow, the complete commissioning of the 240 MW project will be a landmark achievement for both the company and the country’s hydro sector.
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