Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Highlights Renewable Energy As The Engine For The Development Of North East

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, emphasized the vital role the renewable energy sector will play in supporting the growth and development of India’s North Eastern Region. Speaking at the Ministerial Session titled ‘Green Northeast: Advancing Renewable Energy for Sashakt Bharat’ during the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the North East has witnessed significant progress over the past eleven years.

He highlighted the immense untapped renewable energy potential in the region, including more than 129 GW from large hydro projects and over 18 GW from pumped storage plants. He said that the North East’s abundant natural resources, combined with growing energy demands and its strategic geographical position, make it an important region in India’s push toward green growth.

Describing the North East as “India’s Ashtalakshmi,” the Minister said, “By turning the North East’s natural resources into wealth through green power, we are in effect making each state a Lakshmi of clean energy contributing to India’s prosperity.” He also pointed out that the region will play a key role in ensuring grid stability under the national plan of ‘One Nation, One Grid’.

Shri Joshi shared that major Indian companies have shown strong interest in investing in the renewable energy sector in the North East. So far, 115 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹38,856 crore have been signed between private investors and state governments. He added that recent investments from the private sector are expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to overall development in the region.

To further promote clean energy in the North East, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set aside 10% of its total annual scheme budget exclusively for the region. Additional incentives include enhanced financial assistance, such as 10% higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and 20% higher CFA for Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.

The Minister noted that a 20 MW solar park has already been commissioned in Champhai district of Mizoram, reflecting the region’s preparedness for renewable energy projects. He also mentioned that a 25 MW green hydrogen plant is being developed in Assam, which is already home to the country’s first fully green hydrogen plant. More than 2,000 individuals from the region have been trained under skill development initiatives like Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra.

Highlighting the region’s potential to become a hub for energy exports, the Minister said that its proximity to neighboring countries like Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan makes it well-positioned for cross-border electricity trade. He also spoke about the increasing importance of green energy in the global market and said that investments in renewable energy will help India meet international benchmarks, including the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

In his concluding remarks, Shri Joshi encouraged industry leaders and innovators to explore opportunities in the North East and take part in its transformation. He assured them of full government support, including single-window clearances, capital subsidies, and development of dedicated solar parks. He added, “The time to invest is now. Not just for returns, but for impact, for a cleaner tomorrow and a self-reliant India.”