India is setting its sights on the North East to power its clean energy future. Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Prahlad Joshi, said that renewable energy would play a central role in advancing the region’s development vision.
Speaking at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, he called the North East the “Ashtalakshmi” of India’s green transition. The minister highlighted the region’s untapped renewable potential, including over 129 GW from large hydro projects and 18 GW from pumped storage.
He noted that this natural wealth, combined with rising energy demand and strategic cross-border location, makes the North East a key pillar in India’s green growth ambitions. He added that the region would play a vital role in the future of the One Nation, One Grid plan to stabilise India’s energy grid.
₹38,856 crore in investment commitments
The summit saw significant investment interest. A total of 115 MoUs worth ₹38,856 crore have been signed between state governments and private players to boost renewable energy infrastructure in the region.
The minister also highlighted that new investments are expected to create large-scale employment and infrastructure growth across the North East.
Special budget, extra support
To promote clean energy in the region, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has reserved 10% of its annual plan budget specifically for the North East.
Incentives include an extra 10% Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana and 20% higher CFA for components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme.
A 20 MW solar park in Champhai, Mizoram, has already been commissioned, showcasing the region’s project readiness. Additionally, Assam is developing India’s first pure green hydrogen plant with a 25 MW capacity.
Skilling for the green workforce
Over 2,000 individuals have been trained in solar, hydro and water-based energy systems under government-run initiatives like Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra.
Gateway to clean energy exports
The minister stressed the strategic importance of the region’s proximity to countries like Myanmar, Bhutan and Bangladesh. This makes the North East ideal for cross-border electricity trade.
He said that investment in renewables would prepare the region and the nation to meet emerging global benchmarks such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), reinforcing India’s green credentials.
He concluded by urging investors and innovators to look East. “The time to invest is now-not just for returns, but for impact, for a cleaner tomorrow, and for an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
