Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has urged domestic and international investors to actively explore renewable energy opportunities in India’s Northeast, positioning the region as a key pillar in the country’s clean energy transition.
Speaking at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025, Joshi referred to the eight northeastern states as “India’s Ashtalakshmi of Green Power,” underscoring their untapped potential in hydro, solar, and emerging technologies such as green hydrogen. He emphasized that these states collectively offer over 129 gigawatts of large hydropower potential, with an additional 18 gigawatts from pumped storage possibilities.
Highlighting the government’s focus on regional equity in energy development, Joshi pointed to enhanced financial incentives allocated to the Northeast. These include an exclusive 10 percent share of the Ministry’s annual scheme budget, along with higher central assistance under flagship programs such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM.
A key moment at the summit was the announcement of over ₹38,000 crore worth of investment agreements between state governments and private sector players. Notably, several large corporates pledged support for solar and biogas projects, green hydrogen infrastructure, and skill development initiatives aimed at boosting local employment.
Joshi also highlighted recent progress on ground. A 20 MW solar park in Mizoram’s Champhai district and a green hydrogen plant in Assam were cited as indicators of momentum. He reiterated that more than 2,000 individuals from the region have already been trained under programs such as Suryamitra and Jal Urjamitra.
Terming the Northeast as a strategic corridor for cross-border energy trade with nations like Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, Joshi called on stakeholders to invest not only for returns but also for contributing to a cleaner, self-reliant India.
“The moment is ripe to act on Northeast India’s green promise,” he concluded.
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