NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower generation company under the Ministry of Power, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully completing the trial run of Unit 4 (200 MW) of its flagship Parbati-II Hydro Electric Project located in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The update was shared through official stock exchange filings, fulfilling the disclosure norms under Regulation 30 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.

Project Overview

The Parbati-II Hydro Electric Project has a total installed capacity of 800 MW, divided into four units of 200 MW each. The hydroelectric plant is situated in the high-altitude terrains of Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its rich hydropower potential.

Each of the four generating units is designed to produce clean, renewable energy, making Parbati-II a major addition to India’s growing focus on green power and sustainable infrastructure. With the completion of Unit 4's trial on 13th April 2025, NHPC has now technically completed the testing of all four units.

Earlier Developments

According to NHPC’s ongoing communication with the stock exchanges (BSE and NSE), the following key updates were shared:

• Commercial Operation Date (COD) for Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3 was successfully declared from 00:00 hours on 1st April 2025.

• The trial run for Unit 4 was conducted after these, and has now been successfully completed on 13th April 2025.

• The COD for Unit 4 will be formally declared in due course, likely after technical assessments and regulatory procedures.

This development is in continuation of NHPC’s previous communications dated 23.10.2023, 22.05.2024, 13.11.2024, 24.03.2025, 26.03.2025, 29.03.2025, and 31.03.2025, showcasing their transparent and continuous updates to investors and stakeholders.

Significance of the Parbati-II HE Project

The Parbati-II project is among NHPC’s critical hydroelectric ventures and has seen various phases of planning, execution, and testing. Once fully operational, this plant will:

• Add 800 MW of clean energy capacity to the national grid

• Help meet the rising power demand in northern India

• Promote sustainable and low-emission power generation

• Stabilize the grid with a dependable source of renewable electricity

This is a notable move toward India's renewable energy goals under its National Electricity Plan and commitments made under international climate agreements.

Technical Importance of Trial Runs

In large-scale hydroelectric projects, trial runs are critical milestones. These are not only essential for checking the mechanical and electrical integrity of turbines and generators but also for validating system efficiency under full load. The successful trial of Unit 4 now ensures that all four units are ready for commercial operation, subject to final evaluations.

By completing the trial run without any major incident or delay, NHPC reaffirms its technical prowess and operational efficiency, particularly in managing projects in challenging geographies like the Himalayas.

Regulatory and Compliance Adherence

As a listed company, NHPC is required to disclose all material events to the stock exchanges. By sharing updates about the Parbati-II project under SEBI’s Clause 30, the company ensures:

• Investor transparency

• Regulatory compliance

• Proactive information dissemination

This aligns with NHPC’s long-standing image as a trustworthy and professionally managed public sector enterprise.

Financial and Strategic Implications

The commercial commissioning of all four units will lead to:

• Enhanced revenue generation from sale of electricity

• Improved asset utilization and ROI

• Boost in NHPC’s annual generation capacity

• Positive signals for shareholders and institutional investors

As the full project becomes operational, NHPC can expect strong financial inflows and government incentives for renewable capacity additions.

NHPC’s Broader Renewable Portfolio

The successful progress of the Parbati-II project complements NHPC’s diversified portfolio, which includes:

• Hydropower projects across states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Northeast

• Solar power plants in Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and UP

• Wind energy explorations and hybrid projects

With an eye on the National Green Energy Mission, NHPC aims to lead India’s hydropower and renewable transformation, balancing development with environmental responsibility.

Government and Public Support

NHPC’s projects often involve partnerships with state governments, local authorities, and central ministries. Parbati-II is no exception. It not only generates clean power but also:

• Creates employment in remote regions

• Boosts local infrastructure

• Enhances rural electrification

This aligns with the government’s Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas initiative, ensuring inclusive growth through energy access.

Conclusion

The completion of the trial run for Unit 4 of the Parbati-II HE Project marks a major milestone for NHPC in 2025. With three units already under commercial operation and the fourth on its way, the project is set to become a fully functional renewable powerhouse in the coming months.

This move is not just a technical success but a national achievement, reinforcing NHPC’s role as a flag-bearer of India’s clean energy mission.

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