Itanagar, July 10: Arunachal Pradesh has taken a major step towards clean and sustainable energy by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway-based Tidal Sail AS for the implementation of a 500 kW River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Project, which will establish India’s first river kinetic energy demonstration plant in the state.
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| Arunachal Pradesh signs a landmark MoU with Norway's Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership to establish India's first 500 kW River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Project, marking a major step towards clean, sustainable and innovative renewable energy. |
The agreement was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership. The project is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, and Innovation Norway.
The pioneering initiative will showcase an advanced technology capable of generating electricity directly from the natural flow of river currents without the need for large dams or major civil infrastructure. The technology is expected to provide an environmentally friendly, cost-effective and sustainable renewable energy solution, particularly for remote and difficult-to-access regions.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arunachal Pradesh Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the agreement as a landmark achievement in the state's clean energy journey. She said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability and international cooperation.
Highlighting the state's vast network of rivers, Pul said Arunachal Pradesh possesses immense untapped renewable energy potential that can be harnessed responsibly. She expressed confidence that the project would strengthen energy security while ensuring the environmentally sustainable use of natural resources.
The minister also acknowledged the support extended by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, Tidal Sail AS and all partner institutions involved in bringing the project to fruition.
Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Arunachal Pradesh's extensive river systems make it an ideal location to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology. She noted that the project has the potential to complement existing renewable energy sources while enhancing long-term energy security.
Stener added that the initiative reflects the growing cooperation between Norway and Arunachal Pradesh in areas such as geothermal energy, geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure. She reaffirmed Norway's commitment to promoting green technologies and knowledge-sharing partnerships with India.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the demonstration project would diversify Arunachal Pradesh's renewable energy portfolio while exploring decentralised power generation solutions for remote and inaccessible communities.
He explained that successful implementation of the technology could significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, preserve river ecosystems and position Arunachal Pradesh as a national leader in next-generation renewable energy innovation.
Tage also highlighted CES&HS' expanding collaboration with Norwegian institutions, including the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, in the fields of geothermal energy and sustainable infrastructure development.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also welcomed the initiative, stating that Arunachal Pradesh's rivers have sustained its people and civilisation for generations and are now opening new opportunities for sustainable energy development.
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He said the innovative technology, which generates electricity directly from river currents without requiring major civil infrastructure, is particularly suited to Arunachal Pradesh's challenging terrain and remote habitations. He added that such international collaborations reaffirm the state's commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term energy security.
Officials said the MoU marks a new chapter in India-Norway cooperation in renewable energy and is expected to accelerate the deployment of advanced river kinetic energy technologies across Himalayan river systems. The project is expected to contribute significantly to sustainable development, cleaner energy production and improved energy access while reinforcing Arunachal Pradesh's position at the forefront of green energy innovation in India.
