KOHIMA : Nagaland is looking to significantly expand its power generation capacity and attract investments in renewable energy, transmission and battery storage as the state seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on electricity purchased from outside.
Principal secretary and development commissioner Y. Kikheto Sema said the state’s peak power requirement is around 193 MW, while generation within the state is only around 20 MW, meeting roughly 10 per cent of the requirement.
Although the state has an installed generation capacity of 29.4 MW, actual generation remains around 20 MW.
In addition, Nagaland receives a share of about 202 MW from central sector projects, including NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC, he said.
Sema made the remarks during a high-level meeting with officials of the North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC), led by its managing director Jai Shankar, at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on Thursday, an official statement said here.
The meeting focused on potential collaboration and investment opportunities in the state’s power sector, particularly in strengthening transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation, battery energy storage and other areas of mutual interest.
Calling for greater investment and collaboration, Sema stressed that reliable and adequate power is essential for industrial growth, healthcare, employment generation and overall economic development.
He said power generation must be viewed as a key foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities in the state.
Sema highlighted Nagaland’s significant renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and hydro, while noting that the state continues to depend heavily on power procured from outside.
He called for innovative and sustainable solutions, including solar, hydro and hybrid energy projects, backed by adequate transmission and storage infrastructure.
He also emphasised the need to harness Nagaland’s natural resources in a manner that promotes sustainable development while protecting the state’s environment
Welcoming NETC’s initiative, Sema asked the company to provide concrete options and submit proposals for collaboration that could strengthen the state’s power sector and deliver long-term benefits.
Shankar expressed the company’s interest in working closely with the state government to strengthen Nagaland’s power infrastructure.
He said NETC was keen to explore strategic partnerships in transmission systems, renewable energy development and battery energy storage.
Shankar said NETC viewed Nagaland not merely as an external partner but as a stakeholder in the company’s long-term vision, with the focus being on developing collaborative models for infrastructure development.
Shankar also proposed the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the state government to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and associated substations.
Principal Secretary, Power, KD Vizo highlighted the need to scale up Nagaland’s power generation capacity, particularly through solar energy, while ensuring adequate transmission and substation infrastructure.
OSD, Finance, Ketoulhou Metha, said energy remains a priority sector for the state despite its fiscal challenges. He added that the government would examine NETC’s proposals and explore viable avenues for collaboration and resource mobilisation.
Head, HR & BD (Corporate), NETC, Riteish Kumar, made a presentation outlining the company’s proposal to strengthen Nagaland’s power infrastructure through a strategic partnership with the state government.
