Shillong, June 23: The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and the Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) organsied a one-day national seminar on the Promotion of Clean Energy Access in Northeast India.
The seminar was held on Friday at the Courtyard by Marriott, Jail Road, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya. The main aim to organise the National Seminar on Promotion of Clean Energy Access in Northeast India was to address the urgent need for developing climate-resilient programs in the northeastern states, with renewable energy (RE) playing a crucial role. The Seminar is being hosted by MNREDA.
With 8 percent of India’s total land area, the northeast region possesses a remarkable renewable energy potential of 129 GW, as reported by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. Currently, the utilization of RE resources in the region stands at less than 4 percent, highlighting the vast untapped potential. Moreover, the per capita energy consumption in the northeast is the lowest in the country, with figures amounting to one-third of the national average (488 kWh in 2021). This energy poverty resembles the situation in some African countries and necessitates immediate action towards developing climate-resilient programs that incorporate renewable energy.
The seminar aimed to shed light on the various technologies, policies, and challenges involved in transitioning the northeastern states towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. Participants will explore the existing energy mix in the states and emphasize the importance of shifting towards a decentralized and distributed RE deployment. The focus will be on biogas, compressed biogas, and hybrid mini-grids as key components of this transition.
By harnessing advanced technologies such as bioenergy, solar, wind, small hydro, and others, the region can address its energy poverty and provide access to clean energy to its communities. This approach not only contributes to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances the region’s energy supply, generates income for rural communities, and improves the overall resilience of local societies.
The seminar saw active participation from various stakeholders from government agencies, research organizations, academia, industry, and civil society to come together and explore collaborative approaches to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in the northeast. It will serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices in renewable energy deployment.
About Centre for Science and Environment (CSE):
The Centre for Science and Environment is a leading public interest research and advocacy organization based in India. CSE aims to promote sustainable development, equitable access to resources, and environmental protection through policy research, capacity building, and public awareness.
About Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS):
The Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States is a national-level organization established under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in India. AREAS supports state-level agencies in the promotion, development, and implementation of renewable energy projects and policies.
About Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA):
Meghalaya Non-Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency was set-up on September 1987. The aims and objective of the Agency is to formulate and implement demonstration, experimental, promotional and extension projects and programmes related to New and Renewables Energy.
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