North East to Power India’s Green Future: Pralhad Joshi at Rising North East Investors Summit 2025

New Delhi: Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, today underscored the North East Region’s (NER) vital role in India’s green growth ambitions, calling it the “Ashtalakshmi of Green Power.” Speaking at the Ministerial Session on ‘Green Northeast: Advancing Renewable Energy for Sashakt Bharat’ at the Rising North East Investors Summit 2025 in New Delhi, the Minister emphasized that the region is rapidly emerging as a hub for renewable energy investments.

“The North East is witnessing unprecedented development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the past eleven years,” he said, highlighting the region’s natural abundance and strategic location. With over 129 GW potential from large hydro projects and more than 18 GW from pumped storage, the region is well-positioned to drive India’s transition toward clean energy.

The session also spotlighted strong investor confidence in the region’s renewable sector. Joshi announced that 115 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth a cumulative ₹38,856 crore have been signed between private investors and state governments. These include significant commitments from leading industrial players, set to boost employment and infrastructure across the eight Northeastern states.

In a bid to bolster renewable energy development in the North East, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has allocated 10% of its annual scheme budget specifically for the region. Additionally, enhanced financial support is being offered through central schemes, including:

• 10% higher Central Financial Assistance (CFA) under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

• 20% higher CFA under Components B and C of the PM-KUSUM scheme

Joshi highlighted successful initiatives already underway, including a 20 MW solar park in Champhai district, Mizoram, and a 25 MW green hydrogen plant under development in Assam—also home to India’s first pure green hydrogen facility.

With its proximity to Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, the Minister positioned the North East as a future gateway for clean energy exports, supporting India’s vision of cross-border electricity trade and contributing to regional energy security. “The North East can become a global brand for green energy solutions,” Joshi noted, especially in the context of emerging international regulations like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

To support the growing demand for skilled manpower in the sector, the government has already trained over 2,000 individuals in the region under renewable energy skilling programs such as Suryamitra, Varunmitra, and Jal Urjamitra.

Urging the industry to “look east,” Joshi reiterated the Centre’s commitment to providing comprehensive investor support, including single-window clearances, capital subsidies, and dedicated solar park development.

“The time to invest is now. Not just for returns, but for impact—for a cleaner tomorrow and a self-reliant India,” he concluded, positioning the North East as a cornerstone in India’s renewable energy journey and a critical player in building a sustainable future.