The North Eastern Region, with its vast renewable energy potential and strategic geographic location, is poised to become the cornerstone of India’s green growth strategy, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said on Friday.
Speaking at the ministerial session titled “Green Northeast: Advancing Renewable Energy for Sashakt Bharat” during the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, Joshi described the region as “India’s Ashtalakshmi of Green Power.” He underscored the North East’s potential to transform into a powerhouse of clean energy and drive national prosperity.
Massive Untapped Potential
Highlighting the scale of opportunity, the minister noted that the North East holds over 129 GW of large hydropower potential and more than 18 GW of pumped storage capacity. “The renewable energy sector will play a pivotal role in powering the growth vision for the North East Region,” Joshi said.
In a clear indication of the Centre’s focus, Joshi announced that 10 percent of the Ministry’s annual scheme budget has been earmarked exclusively for the North East. Additionally, the region is being granted enhanced financial support through various government schemes.
Major Investment Commitments
Revealing investor enthusiasm, Joshi said 115 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) amounting to Rs 38,856 crore have already been signed between state governments and private investors in the RE sector. He added that large Indian conglomerates are showing “significant interest” in setting up green energy projects in the region, which will also generate employment and boost regional development.
Special Incentives and Ongoing Projects
To further incentivise clean energy adoption, the government is offering a 10 percent higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, and a 20 percent higher CFA for Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme in the North East.
Among notable projects:
- A 20 MW solar park has been commissioned in Mizoram’s Champhai district.
- A 25 MW green hydrogen plant is under development in Assam, which is already home to India’s first pure green hydrogen facility.
- Over 2,000 individuals have been trained under programmes like Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra, enhancing the region’s green energy workforce.
Gateway for Green Energy Exports
Emphasising the region’s strategic importance, Joshi positioned the North East as India’s gateway to clean energy exports, given its proximity to Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. “This positions the region ideally for cross-border electricity trade and green certification compliance, especially with mechanisms like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment in sight,” he said.
A Call to Action
Calling upon investors and innovators, Joshi urged them to “look east” and seize the opportunity. “The time to invest is now. Not just for returns, but for impact—for a cleaner tomorrow and a self-reliant India,” he said. The government, he assured, will extend full support through single-window clearances, capital subsidies, and dedicated infrastructure development.
