Tripura plans to increase its renewable energy capacity to 500 MW by 2030, with the state government focusing on solar projects, decentralised power solutions and skill development to support the expansion, Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on September 10, India Today NE reported.
Speaking at the launch of the Tripura Clean Energy Roadmap, Green Skilling Programme and TREAT Initiative Workshop in Agartala, Nath said the state currently has around 58.76 MW of renewable energy capacity. The government aims to make a major expansion over the next four years.
The 500 MW target will include rooftop solar systems, green villages, ground-mounted solar plants, solar micro-grids, decentralised renewable energy projects and other off-grid solutions, Nath said.
He said renewable energy, particularly solar power, was becoming increasingly important for economic growth, technological development, job creation and sustainable development as the global energy sector changes.
Nath also highlighted the government’s UTSA (Unnayan through Transformative Solar Applications) programme, which is aimed at preparing skilled workers for the state’s growing solar energy sector.
Under the programme, the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA), along with the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), is conducting training programmes such as Suryamitra and Solar PV Technician courses.
Nath said developing skills would be an important part of Tripura’s clean energy transition. The training is expected to create employment opportunities and encourage young people to work as entrepreneurs and service providers in the solar sector.
“UTSA creates skilled manpower while rooftop solar programmes create the market,” Nath said, stressing the need for industry, investment and technology to develop alongside renewable energy projects.
Tripura has also expanded solar-powered infrastructure under central government schemes. Under PM-KUSUM, 9,401 solar pumps have been installed, while another 1,709 are being implemented. These installations are benefiting farmers across nearly 18,802 acres, according to Nath.
Solar micro-grids are supplying electricity to around 9,762 families under PM-DevINE and 1,703 households under PM-JANMAN, he said.
Nath said the state’s green-skilling programmes would give particular attention to rural youth, women and SC/ST communities so that renewable energy opportunities also reach remote and underserved areas.
He said the expansion of renewable energy could reduce Tripura’s dependence on conventional energy sources while creating opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and investment.According to Nath, the combination of renewable energy projects and trained workers will be important for Tripura to achieve its 500 MW target by 2030.
