Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has underscored the vital role of the North Eastern Region in driving India’s renewable energy ambitions. Speaking at the ‘Ministerial Session on Green Northeast: Advancing Renewable Energy for Sashakt Bharat’ during the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the significant strides the region has made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past eleven years.
Joshi pointed out that the North East is endowed with abundant, yet underutilised, renewable energy resources. The region holds a potential of over 129 GW from large hydro projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage plants. These natural assets, combined with increasing energy demand and the region’s strategic location, position it as a cornerstone in India’s green growth strategy.
Describing the North East as India’s “Ashtalakshmi,” Joshi said, “By harnessing the region’s natural energy resources through green technologies, we are turning each state into a Lakshmi of clean energy—contributing to India’s prosperity.” He also stressed the region’s importance in ensuring grid stability under the ‘One Nation, One Grid’ vision.
The Minister shared that recent interactions with investors revealed a strong interest from major Indian conglomerates in the region’s renewable energy potential. So far, 115 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth ₹38,856 crore have been signed between state governments and private players in the renewable energy sector. He noted that these investments are expected to generate substantial employment and development in the region.
To further support clean energy expansion in the North East, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated 10% of its annual scheme budget specifically for the region. Additionally, financial incentives are being extended to encourage participation: a 10% higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and a 20% higher CFA under Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
Showcasing the region’s readiness for renewable projects, Joshi highlighted the successful commissioning of a 20 MW solar park in Mizoram’s Champhai district. He also noted ongoing projects such as a 25 MW green hydrogen plant in Assam, which is also home to India’s first pure green hydrogen facility. Over 2,000 individuals in the North East have received technical training through programmes like Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra.
Emphasising the region’s potential as a clean energy export hub, Joshi said the North East’s proximity to Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan makes it ideal for cross-border electricity trade. He also touched upon the increasing global emphasis on carbon neutrality and compliance with international standards, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, noting that investing in renewables now will help the region and the country stay globally competitive.
In his concluding remarks, Joshi urged industry stakeholders to tap into the opportunities the North East offers. “The time to invest is now—not just for economic returns, but for building a cleaner, self-reliant India,” he said, assuring investors of full government support through single-window clearances, capital subsidies, and dedicated infrastructure development.
