India has shown strong interest in a proposal from Russian energy giant RusHydro to modernize its existing hydropower facilities, signaling a potential partnership that could enhance the country’s energy infrastructure with minimal investment. Sergey Machekhin, Deputy General Director for Project Engineering, Sustainable Development, and International Cooperation at RusHydro, confirmed the discussions during talks held in New Delhi.

According to Machekhin, RusHydro has proposed joint projects aimed at upgrading existing hydropower plants and providing engineering services that will ensure the safety and long-term efficiency of these facilities. “We have put forward solutions that are not only highly effective but also cost-efficient. With small investments, a significant and rapid impact can be achieved,” said Machekhin, underscoring the potential for quick results through strategic modernization.

India’s enthusiasm for the proposal reflects its commitment to improving energy production while maintaining sustainable practices. Ongoing negotiations between the two sides are expected to lead to agreements on specific facilities that will undergo modernization in the coming months. “This year, we hope to finalise a list of hydropower sites where the joint work will begin,” Machekhin added.

RusHydro’s proposed approach involves the development of comprehensive models to ensure the safe operation of hydropower facilities throughout their lifecycle. This includes incorporating geological, seismic, climatic, and other regional factors that influence operations, allowing for tailor-made solutions. Machekhin highlighted the importance of conducting full technological surveys of existing sites to identify changes and design safety protocols accordingly.

“Our experience spans over 400 international projects over the past 90 years, and we’ve successfully increased installed capacity by 655 MW through our modernization programs. These unique competencies enable us to offer reliable, long-term solutions to our Indian partners,” he said.

While there are geopolitical considerations and potential sanctions to navigate, RusHydro remains optimistic about the partnership. “We are exploring various channels for collaboration that take into account existing and potential restrictions,” Machekhin noted. This potential Indo-Russian partnership is expected to bolster India’s renewable energy landscape while furthering cooperation between the two nations in key infrastructure sectors.