Govt. of India has signed an agreement with French development agency AFD for 80 million euro loan for the development of two hydroelectric projects in Himachal Pradesh.

The agreement will finance two run-of river hydroelectric project namely Deothal-Chanju Hydroelectric Project (30 MW) and Chanju-III(48 MW) Hydroelectric Project being developed by H.P. Power Corporation Ltd. in Chanju river basin in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.

Techno-Economic Clearance of Chanju-III HEP (48MW) and Deothal- Chanju HEP (30MW) has been accorded by Directorate of Energy, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh on 14.07.2015 & 22.07.2015 respectively.

The agreement was signed by Selvakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Herve Dubreuil, Deputy Director, AFD.

These projects aims to generate 280 GWh of electricity per year and reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions. The construction of these power projects will not involve any displacement or resettlement, thus reducing the potential negative social impacts of the project.

Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), was incorporated in December 2006 to plan, promote and organize the development of all aspects of hydroelectric power on behalf of Himachal Pradesh State Government (GoHP) and Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board (HPSEB) in Himachal Pradesh. The GoHP has a 60%, and HPSEB, a 40% shareholding in HPPCL.

The HPPCL aimed to develop 1111 MW Power generating capacity by March 2017 and 2400 MW by the year 2022. The HPPCL has already been engaged with development of power projects in various parts of the state with a total projected capacity of more than 1000 MW. Major projects are Shongtong Karcham (450 MW), Sainj (100 MW), Chirgaon Majhgaon (42 MW), Sawra Kuddu (111 MW), Kashang (243 MW) and Renuka Ji Dam (40 MW)