Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project
Why in News?
The Kirthai-II Hydroelectric Project has made headlines because the Ministry of Power approved updating and transferring its terms of reference to fast-track its construction.
Technical Specifications & Location
- Power Capacity: Designed to operate with a substantial nameplate capacity of 930 Megawatts (MW).
- River and Basin: Located on the Chenab River, situated upstream of the upcoming Kiru Hydroelectric Project.
- Geographic Site: Positioned within the Kishtwar district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Design Type: Conceptualized strictly as a run-of-the-river power plant.
- Reservoir Volume: Planned to maintain a hydro reservoir live capacity of 51.26 million cubic meters.
Core Infrastructure
- Dam Architecture: Envisages the construction of a 121-meter-high concrete gravity dam featuring an overall top length of 219.8 meters.
- Split Power Generation: Combines an 840 MW underground powerhouse on the left bank of the river with an accompanying 90 MW dam toe powerhouse.
- Headrace & Intakes: Includes a 4.29 km-long headrace tunnel coupled with 4 specialized intake tunnels that route river flow into distinct desilting chambers.
Project Ownership & Joint Venture
- Executing Entity: Entrusted to Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited (CVPPL) to handle detailed investigations and land acquisitions.
- Stake Ownership: The executing joint venture operates under shared ownership divided between:
- NHPC Limited: Holding a majority 51% stake.
- Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC): Holding a 49% stake.
Regional Energy & Strategic Impact
- Annual Output: Engineered to supply an estimated annual energy generation of roughly 3,329.52 million units (MU) during a 90% dependable water year.
- Grid Relief: Targeted to resolve significant energy deficits affecting the Northern Grid and localized shortages within Jammu & Kashmir.
- Basin Synergy: Integrates into India’s broader, cascading Chenab network to reinforce water management alongside sister initiatives like Pakal Dul, Kiru, Kwar, and Ratle.
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