The 500 kW demonstration project with Norway’s Tidal Sail AS will generate electricity directly from river currents, strengthening clean energy innovation and sustainable power generation in Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Norway-based Tidal Sail AS to implement a 500 kW River Kinetic Energy Demonstration Project, marking the launch of India’s first river kinetic energy demonstration plant.
The agreement was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS) and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership. Supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Innovation Norway, the project will demonstrate technology that generates electricity directly from river currents without requiring major civil infrastructure, offering an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution.
Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the agreement as a milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s clean energy transition, saying the state’s vast river systems offer immense renewable energy potential. She said the initiative would strengthen energy security while ensuring environmentally responsible use of natural resources and thanked the Government of India, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway and partner organisations for supporting the project.
Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Arunachal Pradesh provides an ideal setting to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology, which could complement existing renewable energy sources and enhance long-term energy security. She added that the project reflects expanding India-Norway cooperation in geothermal energy, geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the project would help diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio while enabling decentralised power generation in remote areas. He noted that successful deployment could reduce fossil fuel dependence, lower carbon emissions, preserve river ecosystems and position Arunachal Pradesh as a leader in next-generation renewable energy innovation.
Officials said the MoU marks a significant step in India-Norway collaboration on green energy and is expected to accelerate the adoption of advanced river kinetic technologies across Himalayan river systems.
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