Polavaram, April 12 -- The PHEP, which is part of the mega Polavaram project, is set to emerge as a major contributor to Andhra Pradesh's energy security, the government said on Saturday. On completion, it will have an installed capacity of 960 MW, comprising 12 power-generating units of 80 MW each. "The Polavaram Hydro Electric Project is poised to emerge as one of the most significant hydroelectric power assets in India, both in terms of scale and technological advancement, making it a major contributor to Andhra Pradesh's energy security," said a press release. Featuring massive vertical Kaplan turbines designed to handle exceptionally high water discharge, each unit of the hydroelectric project is being engineered to operate at a discharge of 331 cubic metres per second at a rotational speed of 100 revolutions per minute. Consequently, PHEP emerges as one of the projects equipped with the largest Kaplan turbine units ever installed in the country. This advanced configuration ensures high efficiency, especially under varying water-flow conditions typical of river-based hydro projects. On completion, PHEP will be capable of generating 960 MW of clean hydropower, contributing approximately 23 million units (MU) of electricity per day during peak operations. This quantum of power generation will be achieved by utilising about 12 TMC of water daily, effectively translating water resources into energy with high efficiency. On an annual basis, the project is expected to produce around 2,500 MU of electricity, said the press release. Expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, the southern state's annual financial advantage is projected to exceed Rs.1,100 crore, at a levelised tariff estimated at Rs.4.57 per unit. "This will not only reduce dependence on costly power purchases from external sources but also help stabilise electricity tariffs for consumers," said the press release....