Arunachal Pradesh has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Norway’s Tidal Sail AS to implement a 500 kW ‘river kinetic energy demonstration project’ in the state. The project aims to establish India’s first river kinetic energy demonstration plant. The MoU was signed between the Centre for Earth Sciences & Himalayan Studies (CES&HS), GoAP, and Tidal Sail AS under the India-Norway Green Partnership.
Supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI, and Innovation Norway, the project will demonstrate technology that generates electricity directly from river currents without requiring major civil infrastructure. This offers an environmentally sustainable and cost-effective renewable energy solution. Science and Technology Minister Dasanglu Pul described the agreement as a milestone in Arunachal’s clean energy transition, saying the partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation.
Pul expressed confidence that the project would strengthen energy security while ensuring environmentally responsible utilisation of natural resources. She thanked the MNRE, Ministry of External Affairs, the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Innovation Norway, Tidal Sail AS, and other partner institutions for supporting the initiative. Norwegian Ambassador to India May-Elin Stener said Arunachal’s river systems make it an ideal location to demonstrate river kinetic energy technology, which could complement existing renewable energy sources and enhance long-term energy security.
CES&HS Director Tana Tage said the demonstration project would diversify the state’s renewable energy portfolio and explore decentralised power generation for remote and inaccessible regions. Successful implementation of the technology could reduce dependence on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, preserve river ecosystems, and position Arunachal as a leader in next-generation renewable energy innovation. Officials said the MoU marks a new phase in India-Norway cooperation in renewable energy and is expected to facilitate the deployment of advanced river kinetic energy technologies in Himalayan river systems, contributing to sustainable development and long-term energy security in Arunachal.
