GE Renewable Energy’s Hydropower business has officially commissioned the 180MW Bajoli Holi Project on the river Ravi in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh in northern India, with the project’s three 60MW turbines already generating electricity and supplying power to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport – the first in India to run entirely on hydro and solar power.

The completion of this project is seen as a big step towards utilising the power potential of the state to support both Himachal Pradesh and the entire northern region of India. In addition to providing the local population with sustainable and clean energy, the Bajoli Holi Hydropower Plant actively contributes to the proper functioning of the country’s infrastructure. It generates 94% of energy required by the Delhi International Airport Limited – the last 6% coming from on-site solar power plants.

GE Hydro Solutions was responsible for the design and engineering, supply, transportation, erection, testing and commissioning of the vertical Francis turbines, generators, penstock valve, Main Inlet Valve, digital governing system, excitation system, control and monitoring, protection system, electrical and mechanical balance of plant equipment.

The project was commissioned as committed despite a series of challenges created by the pandemic, with Brian Selby, Regional General Manager, Asia, China & India at GE Renewable Energy Hydro Solutions, stating that ‘in the face of lockdown restrictions in the last year, the site team persevered and continued the erection and commissioning activities by diligently monitoring and implementing precautionary measures and administrative controls.’

 “We wholeheartedly appreciate the GE Hydro Solutions team and their enormous efforts to bring this project to fruition,” commented Sanjay Barde, CEO of developer GMR Energy. “The immense hard work put in by them to commission all three units within 11 days of water availability while adhering to all quality and safety norms is commendable. We look forward to similar and even more enriching partnerships with GE to further our mutual vision.”