India partners with GE Energy to build hydropower plants

Projects are located in northeastern India.

GE Energy Financial Services India has invested US$43 million in Gati Infrastructure Private Ltd to develop hydropower projects in northeastern India.

Gati Infrastructure is currently developing three hydropower plants in the state of Sikkim as part of its mandate to help alleviate India's energy shortage.

The three hydropower projects are the 110 MW Chuzachen, 54 MW Bhasmey and 71 MW Sada Mangder hydroelectric projects. The Chuzachen plant was commissioned earlier this year.

Sikkim has a peak potential capacity of 8,000 MW of hydroelectric power due to its glacial melt and perennial rivers. Its average rainfall is higher than in several other Himalayan states.