Arunachal Pradesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway-based Tidal Sail AS to implement a 500-kW river kinetic energy demonstration project, paving the way for India’s first river kinetic energy plant in the state.
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.
Supported by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Innovation Norway, the project will demonstrate a technology that generates electricity directly from river currents without the need for major civil infrastructure. Officials said the initiative offers an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution.
Speaking on the occasion, Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the agreement as a significant milestone in Arunachal Pradesh’s transition towards clean energy. She said the state’s vast river network offers enormous renewable energy potential and expressed confidence that the project would strengthen energy security while ensuring environmentally responsible use of natural resources.
Pul also acknowledged the support of the MNRE, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, Tidal Sail AS and other partner organisations in making the project possible.
Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Arunachal Pradesh’s river systems make it an ideal location to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology. She added that the project would complement existing renewable energy sources while enhancing long-term energy security.
Stener said the initiative reflects the growing partnership between Norway and Arunachal Pradesh in areas such as geothermal energy, geotechnical engineering and sustainable infrastructure, reaffirming Norway’s commitment to promoting green technologies and knowledge sharing.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the demonstration project would help diversify Arunachal Pradesh’s renewable energy portfolio and explore decentralised electricity generation for remote and inaccessible regions.
He added that successful implementation of the technology could reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, protect river ecosystems and position Arunachal Pradesh as a leader in next-generation renewable energy. Officials said the MoU marks a new chapter in India-Norway cooperation and is expected to facilitate the deployment of advanced river kinetic energy technologies in Himalayan river systems.
