MNRE to Launch New Small Hydro Policy for North East, Announces Pralhad Joshi in Guwahati

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) convened a Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy for the North East Zone in Guwahati to boost the region’s shift toward clean power.

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi inaugurated the event, joined by MNRE Secretary Santosh Sarangi, Energy Ministers from North Eastern states, and senior officials.

In his address, Joshi highlighted the North East’s vast untapped potential in solar, small hydro, and biomass energy, urging state governments to expedite the rollout of flagship schemes like PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM. He stressed the Centre’s focus on inclusive growth through renewable energy-driven transformation.

The Minister noted that while the North East possesses an estimated 122 GW of renewable energy potential, only 5.1 GW has been harnessed so far. He urged faster adoption of solar rooftop systems, pointing out that just 54,545 households in the region have benefited under PM-Surya Ghar.

Praising Assam’s Integrated Clean Energy Policy under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Joshi said it sets an example for other states. He also announced that MNRE will soon introduce a new Small Hydro Policy to strengthen the renewable ecosystem in the region, with enhanced policy and financial support.

Energy Ministers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Tripura shared their respective progress and challenges in implementing renewable projects. Discussions also touched on green hydrogen, decentralised renewable energy, and financing models to drive collaboration and innovation.

Joshi felicitated the best-performing states, DISCOMs, districts, and vendors, recognising Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh for their achievements under PM-KUSUM and Assam and Mizoram under PM-Surya Ghar.

The workshop concluded with a collective call for deeper cooperation between the Centre, North Eastern states, and industry stakeholders to unlock the region’s full renewable energy potential and build a sustainable, energy-secure future.