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Key Points

The Northeast region is emerging as a crucial hub for India's renewable energy ambitions, with vast untapped potential in hydro and solar power. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the strategic importance of the region in transforming natural resources into green energy wealth. Major investments and targeted government policies are driving massive clean energy development across northeastern states. These initiatives promise significant economic growth, employment generation, and contribute to India's broader sustainable energy goals.

Key Points: Pralhad Joshi Reveals Northeast's Green Energy Transformation Plan

  • Northeast holds 129 GW large hydro and 18 GW pumped storage potential
  • 115 MoUs worth Rs 38,856 crore signed in renewable sector
  • MNRE allocates 10% budget exclusively for northeastern region
2 min read

Renewable energy to make northeast central to India's green growth plans: Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister highlights Northeast's massive renewable potential, strategic investments, and green energy roadmap for India's sustainable future

"By turning the Northeast's natural resources into wealth through green power, we are making each state a 'Lakshmi' of clean energy - Pralhad Joshi"

New Delhi, May 23

The renewable energy sector will play a pivotal role in powering the growth vision for the northeast region, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, said on Friday.

Northeast has vast untapped renewable energy resources, including over 129 GW potential from large hydro projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage plants.

These natural advantages, coupled with rising energy demand and strategic cross-border positioning, make the region central to India's green growth plans, said the minister at the ‘Rising North East Investors Summit 2025’ here.

Describing Northeast as India’s ‘Ashtalakshmi’, Joshi said, “By turning the Northeast’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.”

Northeast will also play a key role in ensuring India’s grid stability in the near future under ‘One Nation, One Grid’, the minister emphasised.

During recent investor engagements, major Indian conglomerates expressed significant interest in the region’s renewable energy potential.

A total of 115 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 38,856 crore have been signed between state governments and private investors in the renewable energy sector.

The minister also highlighted various recent investments from private players which will bring massive employment and development in Northeast.

To promote clean energy development in the region, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has earmarked 10 per cent of its annual scheme budget exclusively for the northeastern Region.

In addition to this dedicated allocation, the Ministry is extending enhanced financial assistance to further encourage investment.

This includes a 10 per cent higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, as well as a 20 per cent higher CFA for Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.

Joshi also shared that a 20 MW solar park has been successfully commissioned in Champhai district of Mizoram, showcasing the region’s project-readiness. He also mentioned that a 25 MW green hydrogen plant is under development in Assam, which also hosts India’s first pure green hydrogen plant.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is fantastic news! The Northeast has been neglected for too long. Harnessing renewable energy will bring development while preserving the region's natural beauty. Hope local communities benefit directly from these projects. 🇮🇳💚
P
Priya M.
While I appreciate the green energy push, I hope the government ensures proper environmental impact assessments. The Northeast is ecologically fragile - we can't repeat mistakes made in other parts of India where 'development' damaged local ecosystems.
A
Arjun S.
Smart move! The Northeast's strategic location makes it perfect for cross-border energy trade too. Imagine exporting clean power to Bangladesh, Myanmar, even ASEAN nations in future. This could be India's gateway to Southeast Asia's green economy 🚀
M
Meena T.
Good initiative but implementation is key. Hope the local youth get proper training and employment opportunities. We don't want a situation where all skilled jobs go to outsiders while locals get only menial work. #NortheastFirst
S
Sanjay R.
The 'Ashtalakshmi' comparison is beautiful! Each state contributing to India's energy security like the eight forms of Lakshmi. But please ensure fair land acquisition policies - we've seen too many farmers suffer in the name of development projects.
N
Neha P.
Excited about the green hydrogen plant in Assam! This could make India a global leader in clean energy. But hope the government maintains transparency about project timelines - we've seen many 'announcements' that take years to materialize. Action speaks louder than MoUs!

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