The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a comprehensive Master Plan for Evacuation of Power from Hydroelectric Plants in the Brahmaputra Basin, outlining the transmission roadmap to harness the basin’s estimated 65 GW hydroelectric potential across 12 sub-basins, including major ones such as Siang, Dibang, Subansiri, Lohit and Kameng. The basin, spanning multiple northeastern states, contributes nearly 80 per cent of its total potential from Arunachal Pradesh alone. As per the plan, the hydro potential identified (above 25 MW) comprises 208 projects aggregating 64,945 MW, in addition to 11,130 MW from pumped storage plants (PSPs). The phased transmission development envisions 10,000 ckm of lines, 30 GVA of transformation capacity, and 12 GW of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems by 2035, expanding to 31,000 ckm, 68 GVA and 42 GW of HVDC capacity beyond 2035.
To ensure efficient power evacuation from remote high-capacity projects to major load centres, CEA has identified a mix of dedicated and common transmission systems, with major HVDC terminals proposed at Namsai, Roing, Niglok, Gogamukh, Rowta and Silapathar. The plan also includes 7 HVDC stations (6,000 MW each), extensive intra-state strengthening, and provisions for reactive power management such as switchable bus reactors at generating stations. Designed in consultation with states and developers, the plan is expected to provide a coordinated framework for timely evacuation of upcoming hydro capacity, enhance grid reliability, and support the long-term vision of a resilient and green power system for the northeastern and national grid by 2040.