How will Renewable Energy Transform Northeast into India's Green Growth Hub?
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Synopsis
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasizes the crucial role of renewable energy in transforming Northeast India into a green growth powerhouse. With vast untapped resources and significant investments, the region is poised to contribute to India's energy landscape, ensuring prosperity and job creation. Explore how the Northeast is becoming central to India's clean energy vision.
Key Takeaways
- The Northeast has significant untapped renewable energy resources.
- 115 MoUs worth Rs 38,856 crore have been signed for renewable energy projects.
- 10% of MNRE's annual budget is dedicated to the Northeast.
- Investment in green energy is expected to create jobs and spur regional development.
- The region is vital for India's grid stability under the 'One Nation, One Grid' initiative.
New Delhi, May 23 (NationPress) The renewable energy sector is set to become a crucial element in advancing the growth ambitions for the northeast region, stated Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, on Friday.
The northeast is rich in underutilized renewable energy resources, boasting over 129 GW potential from extensive hydroelectric projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage facilities.
These natural benefits, alongside increasing energy requirements and strategic cross-border advantages, position the region as vital to India’s green energy initiatives, as emphasized by the minister during the ‘Rising North East Investors Summit 2025’.
Referring to the Northeast as India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’, Joshi remarked, “Transforming the Northeast’s natural resources into wealth through green energy effectively turns each state into a ‘Lakshmi’ of clean energy, contributing significantly to India’s prosperity.”
The Northeast will also be instrumental in ensuring India’s grid stability in the coming years under the ‘One Nation, One Grid’ initiative, the minister highlighted.
In recent discussions with investors, major Indian corporations showed considerable interest in the region’s renewable energy potential.
So far, a total of 115 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) valued at Rs 38,856 crore have been signed between state governments and private investors in the renewable energy domain.
Joshi further underscored the various recent investments from private entities that are set to generate substantial employment and development opportunities in the Northeast.
To foster clean energy advancement in the region, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated 10 percent of its annual budget exclusively for the northeastern region.
Beyond this targeted allocation, the Ministry is offering enhanced financial support to stimulate further investment.
This includes a 10 percent increase in Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, along with a 20 percent increase for Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
Joshi also announced that a 20 MW solar park has been successfully launched in Champhai district of Mizoram, demonstrating the region’s readiness for projects. Additionally, a 25 MW green hydrogen plant is under construction in Assam, which is also the site of India’s first pure green hydrogen facility.
Point of View
It is evident that the Northeast's potential for renewable energy is not just a regional asset but a national imperative. The government's commitment to harnessing this potential reflects a prudent strategy for sustainable development, which aligns with India's broader energy goals. It is crucial to ensure that these developments are inclusive and benefit local communities, thus fostering a holistic approach to growth.
NationPress
10/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the renewable energy potential of Northeast India?
The Northeast region has over 129 GW potential from large hydro projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage plants, highlighting its vast renewable energy resources.
How is the government supporting renewable energy in the Northeast?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has set aside 10% of its annual budget for the Northeast and is providing enhanced financial assistance to encourage investments.
What recent developments have occurred in the region's renewable energy sector?
A 20 MW solar park has been commissioned in Mizoram, and a 25 MW green hydrogen plant is under development in Assam, showcasing the region's project readiness.
