The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India, organised a Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy for the North East Zone in Guwahati to accelerate the region’s shift toward clean energy. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the event in the presence of MNRE Secretary Santosh Sarangi, Energy Ministers from the North Eastern states, and senior officials, the ministry said in a release on Friday.
In his address, Joshi underscored the Northeast’s vast potential in solar, small hydro, and biomass energy. He urged states to fast-track the implementation of key schemes such as PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM. Emphasising the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, he highlighted India’s rapid economic progress and the ongoing transformation driven by renewable energy initiatives.
Joshi pointed out that only around 54,545 households in the Northeast have benefited under the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana so far and called for increased adoption across the region. He noted that while the Northeast holds an estimated renewable energy potential of 122 GW, only 5.1 GW has been installed to date. Commending Assam under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Minister lauded the state for being among the first in India to adopt a comprehensive Integrated Clean Energy Policy.
Announcing that MNRE will soon introduce a new Small Hydro Policy to further benefit the region, Joshi reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to extending policy and financial support for renewable energy development in the Northeast.
Energy Ministers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura shared their states’ progress and challenges in implementing renewable energy projects. The workshop also hosted discussions on green hydrogen, decentralised renewable energy, and financing models aimed at enhancing regional collaboration.
The Minister recognised the exemplary performance of Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh under PM-KUSUM and of Assam and Mizoram under PM-Surya Ghar, presenting certificates of appreciation. The best-performing DISCOMs, districts, and vendors from the Northeast were also felicitated.
The workshop concluded with a call for stronger cooperation between the Centre, Northeastern states, and industry stakeholders to fully tap the region’s renewable energy potential and build a sustainable, energy-secure future.
