Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, emphasized that the North East region is poised to become a major driver of India’s green energy transition and economic growth. Speaking at the ‘Green Northeast: Advancing Renewable Energy for Sashakt Bharat’ session during the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the transformative potential of renewable energy in the region. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the last eleven years, the North East has witnessed remarkable progress and is now central to India’s clean energy roadmap.
Describing the North East as India’s “Ashtalakshmi of Green Power,” Joshi said the region holds untapped renewable energy potential, including more than 129 GW from large hydro and over 18 GW from pumped storage. This, along with growing energy demand and strategic location near international borders, positions the North East as a crucial player in India’s goal of ‘One Nation, One Grid’. He affirmed that green energy development in the region not only promises grid stability but also prosperity for all eight North Eastern states.
The Minister revealed that a total of 115 MoUs worth ₹38,856 crore have been signed between state governments and private investors in the renewable energy sector, reflecting growing industrial interest. He pointed to recent investments and projects such as a 20 MW solar park in Mizoram and a 25 MW green hydrogen plant under development in Assam — home to the country’s first pure green hydrogen plant — as evidence of the region’s project readiness. Over 2,000 individuals have already been trained under initiatives like Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra to support the sector’s manpower needs.
To further boost renewable energy in the region, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has allocated 10% of its annual scheme budget specifically for the North East. Additionally, enhanced Central Financial Assistance is being provided under schemes like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM, with higher incentives aimed at accelerating deployment.
Joshi also positioned the North East as a future hub for clean energy exports, leveraging its geographic proximity to Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan for cross-border electricity trade. He underscored the importance of aligning with global trends such as carbon neutrality and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, stating that investment in renewables would strengthen both regional and national competitiveness.
Concluding his address, the Minister called upon industry leaders to “look east” and actively engage in the region’s transformation. Assuring full government support through policy facilitation, capital subsidies, and infrastructure development, he urged investors to seize the opportunity not only for financial returns but to contribute to a sustainable and self-reliant India.
