NHPC's Giant Leap: Subansiri Hydro Project Installs Massive Stator

The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has marked a significant milestone in its 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project with the successful installation of the generator stator for Unit 5.

Weighing 395 tonnes and featuring an 11.5-metre bore diameter, the stator was carefully lowered into the generator barrel in a technically complex operation — the largest of its kind in any Indian hydroelectric project to date. NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Rajendra Prasad Goyal hailed the achievement as a “significant step forward,” paving the way for the early commissioning of five out of the eight generating units (totaling 1,250 MW). Notably, each unit has an independent water conductor system — a rare and advanced engineering design in hydro projects.

The milestone event was overseen on-site by the project’s Executive Director, senior engineers, and representatives from the equipment supplier, with other senior NHPC officials joining virtually.

Initially approved in 2003 and launched in 2005 with a target completion in 2014, the project has faced repeated delays, including a complete halt in December 2011 after approximately 50% of critical infrastructure was completed. The successful stator installation signals renewed momentum for this long-pending, strategically important project.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.