Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project (120 MW)

Challenge

India’s North-Eastern region faces a persistent power deficit, with Assam relying significantly on external power purchases to meet growing electricity demand. To help address this challenge, the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project was developed on the Kopili River in the Dima Hasao district of Assam. The scheme comprises a 70.13 m-high concrete gravity dam, a 3.6 km Head Race Tunnel, a powerhouse equipped with Francis turbines, and associated hydraulic structures. The remote mountainous terrain, complex geological conditions and heavy monsoon rainfall presented demanding engineering challenges, requiring specialised expertise throughout both the basic and detailed design phases.

Solution

Tractebel provided basic and detailed engineering services for the Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project. Drawing on its hydropower and multidisciplinary engineering expertise, Tractebel developed the engineering solutions required for the project’s main structures and systems, taking into account the challenging geological, topographical and climatic conditions of the site. This comprehensive design approach supported the development of reliable hydropower infrastructure adapted to the specific constraints of the region.

Impact

The Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project will add 120 MW of renewable hydropower capacity to India’s North-Eastern grid, helping to reduce Assam’s power deficit and strengthen the region’s energy security. By increasing locally generated electricity, the project will also help reduce dependence on external power purchases and reinforce the electricity supply in one of India’s most power-constrained regions. More broadly, the project contributes to India’s ambition to expand its non-fossil fuel-based electricity generation capacity.