Prahlad Joshi reviews flagship schemes of renewable energy sector in North East

Guwahati, Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Friday reviewed the progress of flagship schemes in the North East and emphasised on actionable steps to harness the region's potential.

He was attending the Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy (North East Zone) here.

"The North East, our Ashtalakshmi, is transforming into Urja-Lakshmi under the visionary leadership of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi ji," the minister for New and Renewable Energy said in a post on X.He commended the progress of the states for their "exceptional renewable capacity share, reviewed the progress of flagship schemes and discussed actionable steps to harness the region's immense potential in solar, small hydro, green hydrogen and biomass." "Together, we are advancing towards a cleaner, greener and energy-secure North East, realising the Prime Minister's vision of prosperity through sustainability," Joshi added.

An official statement said Joshi emphasised the North East's vast potential in solar, small hydro, and biomass energy, and urged the states to expedite the implementation of schemes such as PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM.

Highlighting the government's focus on inclusive growth, he mentioned of India's rapid economic expansion and the transformation underway through renewable energy initiatives.Joshi said only about 54,545 households in the North East have benefitted under PM-Surya Ghar Yojana and urged the states to enhance adoption.He underlined he region's vast 122 GW renewable potential with just 5.1 GW installed.He commended Assam for being among the very first states in the country to notify a comprehensive Integrated Clean Energy Policy.He said his ministry will soon launch a new Small Hydro Policy which will benefit the region.Energy ministers from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Meghalaya and Tripura shared their progress and challenges in renewable energy implementation.The workshop featured discussions on Green Hydrogen, decentralised renewable energy and financing models to strengthen regional collaboration.The Union minister also appreciated the efforts of Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh under PM-KUSUM, and of Assam and Mizoram under PM-Surya Ghar for their exemplary performance by awarding a certificate.

Best Performing DISCOM, District, and vendors of the North Eastern Region were also felicitated.