Polavaram Hydropower Project Set to Transform AP’s Energy Landscape

The Polavaram Hydroelectric Project is gearing up to not only meet Andhra Pradesh’s growing power needs but also significantly strengthen energy security in the state. In an official statement on Saturday, the government said the project considered crucial for the state will enable the supply of quality power at a lower cost . Built with advanced technology , the project is expected to emerge as a backbone of the state’s economy in the coming years.

The massive project will have a total installed capacity of 960 MW , with 12 generating units of 80 MW each . A key highlight is the use of some of the largest vertical Kaplan turbines in the country , designed to efficiently generate power despite fluctuations in river flow. Each unit will operate at 100 rotations per minute , utilising a water discharge of 331 cubic metres per second .

Once fully operational, the project is expected to generate around 2,500 million units annually , with a maximum daily output of 23 million units . About 12 TMC of water will be utilised for this purpose. With the average cost of power at ₹4.57 per unit , the state can reduce dependence on costly power purchases from other states. This is projected to yield annual savings of over ₹1,100 crore , while helping maintain stable tariffs for consumers.

Leading companies are involved in the project’s execution. BHEL , a Government of India enterprise, is supplying the turbines and generators, while Siemens of Germany is providing gas-insulated systems for substation operations. The project is scientifically designed to utilise water released for irrigation in the Godavari delta for power generation, ensuring efficient use of floodwaters during the monsoon and strengthening the grid.

Civil and electro-mechanical works are progressing rapidly. As per official plans, the government aims to commission at least three units by July 2027 , ahead of the Godavari Pushkaralu , and complete the entire project by January 2028 for full dedication to the nation.

Being constructed near Ramayyapeta on the Godavari River , this multi-purpose project will not only generate electricity but also provide irrigation to 4.3 lakh hectares , supply drinking water to 611 villages , and play a key role in diverting 80 TMC of water to the Krishna River .