Tata Power’s 75 MW Bhivpuri Hydro Power Plant In Maharashtra Completes 100 Years

Tata Power, one of India's largest integrated power companies, on Saturday (5 March) celebrated the 100th anniversary of its hydroelectric power plant in Bhivpuri, Maharashtra.

Bhivpuri Powerhouse was built in 1916 in the Raigad district of Maharashtra near Mumbai. The project was commissioned in 1922, with an installed capacity of 48 MW.

“The plant, one of the oldest in India, produces around 300 MUs of electricity annually and has provided clean energy for over 100 years to the nation. This remarkable achievement also coincides with the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (India@75) and demonstrates Tata Power's efforts to 'Power India and Empower Bharat' for over 100 years,” Tata Power said.

Subsequently, the installed capacity was upgraded to 75 MW including a 72 MW new powerhouse, with three units of 24 MW. It also includes a 3 MW tailrace powerhouse comprising two units of 1.5 MW each.

The plant now transmits power over 110 kV transmission lines to industries and licensees in the Mumbai metropolis.

"It's a proud moment for all of us at Tata Power to mark the centenary celebration of Bhivpuri Hydro Power Station. We are committed to providing clean energy through this plant and on this occasion reaffirm our commitment to achieve clean and green energy capacity of 80 per cent by 2030; thus contributing towards India's clean energy targets," Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power, said.

The Bhivpuri plant along with the Khopoli and Bhira plants is among the first hydroelectric plants in the region that harnesses the major water resources of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra.

Today, these three plants make up Mumbai's 'islanding system', the backup power source that kicks-in in case metropolis' power supply gets impacted—akin to an inverter system installed inside households.