Norwegian hydropower firms express interest in India

New Delhi, April 21 (IANS) Norwegian hydroelectricity technology providers showed considerable interest in the Indian hydropower sector with around 80 experts from 35 Norwegian companies participating in the Hydropower India exhibition that concluded Saturday.

Geir Elsebutangen, representative for Norwegian Renewable Energy Partners (INTPOW), said there was "huge interest for further cooperation and competence sharing between India and Norway in the hydropower sector".

"We see special interest in Norwegian investment in tunnelling, planning, trade, pricing and financing. There is also a need for direct dialogue between companies and authorities," he added.

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Norwegian ambassador Ann Ollestad lauded India's efforts at utilization of hydroelectric power sources.

"I am very impressed with the efforts made in India to utilize hydropower," she said.

"Norway cooperates with India on renewable energy generation through trade and investment, and support to off-grid village electrification," Ollestad added.

Joint Secretary (Hydropower) in power ministry G. Sai Prasad was also present at the meet.

Currently, two hydroelectric projects, with a combined capacity of 301 MW are being jointly operated by Indo-Norwegian joint ventures and a 500 MW project is under development with Tata Power in Himachal Pradesh.