Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director At IREDA, Reaffirms Its Commitment to Expanding Renewable Energy Projects In North-East India

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to accelerating renewable energy growth in India’s North-Eastern Region (NER), a region rich in clean energy potential yet historically underutilized. Speaking at the event “Financing Renewable Energy in the North Eastern Region” held in Guwahati, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, emphasized the organization’s dedication to driving inclusive and sustainable green development across the North-East.

Shri Das highlighted that India’s renewable energy capacity has tripled since FY2014 and is projected to double again by FY2030, requiring an estimated investment of ₹28 lakh crore. This rapid expansion, he said, represents not just a national goal but a collective mission toward energy independence and sustainability. The North-Eastern states—blessed with abundant hydropower, solar, and biomass resources—are positioned to play a transformative role in achieving India’s clean energy targets.

Currently, the North-East has achieved remarkable progress, with approximately 5 GW of installed renewable capacity, accounting for nearly 60% of its total power generation. This impressive share demonstrates the region’s growing reliance on clean energy sources and its potential to become a hub for green power generation in the coming years.

To further accelerate this progress, IREDA has sanctioned more than ₹3,500 crore in financing for renewable projects across the region. The agency has introduced concessional interest rate schemes to attract investment, including a 50 basis point rebate for renewable energy projects located in the North-East and an additional 50 basis point rebate for women-led projects, ensuring both regional and gender-inclusive growth.

IREDA’s efforts under key government initiatives, such as the PM-KUSUM and Rooftop Solar programs, have already yielded significant results. Thousands of solar installations have been supported under these schemes, including the deployment of over 3,800 solar pumps in Tripura and several rooftop solar projects across Assam. These initiatives are empowering local communities, farmers, and small businesses by providing access to clean and affordable energy solutions.

Shri Das further stressed the importance of continued collaboration between policymakers, developers, and financiers to unlock the full renewable potential of the North-East. He underscored that with enhanced grid connectivity, targeted policy reforms, and innovative financing mechanisms, the region could evolve into a major renewable energy hub not just for India, but for the entire South Asian subcontinent. “The North-East is our green frontier. IREDA is committed to empowering the region with clean, affordable, and reliable renewable energy,” he stated.

He also noted a unique aspect of IREDA’s leadership — a significant number of the organization’s business vertical heads hail from the North-East. This representation, he said, provides IREDA with a deeper understanding of the local challenges and opportunities, ensuring that the agency’s policies and projects are effectively tailored to regional needs. Through its continued financial support and strategic initiatives, IREDA remains at the forefront of India’s renewable energy transition, ensuring that the North-Eastern Region becomes a driving force in the country’s sustainable development journey.