Guwahati, Oct 31:Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Pralhad Joshi on Friday said that the North Eastern Region (NER) holds vast untapped potential in renewable energy and will play a critical role in India’s clean energy transition.
Addressing the Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy for the North East Zone in Guwahati, Joshi said the Centre is committed to ensuring that the benefits of India’s renewable energy revolution reach even the most remote corners of the country.
He announced that the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy will soon introduce a new Small Hydro Policy with enhanced subsidies for hilly and difficult terrains, including the North East.
“The North East can become a powerhouse of clean energy for India. The region has immense potential in solar, small hydro, and biomass-based energy. We want every household, every farmer to become an energy producer,” Joshi said.
The Union Minister urged state governments to accelerate the implementation of flagship schemes such as PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY) and PM KUSUM, which aim to empower citizens and farmers to generate their own electricity and income.
Highlighting India’s economic progress, Joshi said the nation’s economy has grown from $2 trillion to over $4 trillion and is poised to reach $5 trillion by 2027–28. He linked this growth to a strong development push under the Act East Policy, which has resulted in better connectivity, peace, and prosperity in the North East.
“Over 8,000 insurgents have surrendered, civilian casualties have dropped to near zero, and 81,000 km of rural roads have been built under PMGSY,” he added.
MNRE Secretary Santosh said India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030 will see the North East contributing significantly.
The region currently has 5 GW of installed renewable capacity, led by Assam, and an estimated potential of 113 GW. “Assam, which currently imports power, has the potential to become an energy exporter by harnessing its solar and hydro resources,” Sarangi said.
During the workshop, energy ministers and representatives from the northeastern states shared their progress and challenges.
Assam Energy Minister Keshab Mahanta highlighted 10 floating solar projects being implemented by AEDA on ponds and fisheries to combine solar energy generation with fish production.
Sikkim Advisor (Power) Sanjit Kharel announced plans to install solar-powered streetlights across urban and rural areas.
Meghalaya Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh pointed to the state’s growing solar and wind potential in addition to hydropower.
At the workshop, Tripura was awarded the Best Performing State under PM-KUSUM for solar pump installations, followed by Arunachal Pradesh.
Assam emerged as the top performer in rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar, followed by Mizoram.
Technical sessions at the workshop featured discussions on green hydrogen potential, renewable financing, small hydro development, and decentralized clean energy solutions for remote areas.
