Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, has called for greater investment and strategic collaboration to harness the State’s power potential, stressing that reliable and affordable electricity is fundamental to industrial growth, healthcare, employment generation and overall economic development.
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 his office chamber in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on August 13.
According to a DIPR update, the meeting explored potential areas of collaboration and investment in Nagaland’s power sector, including strengthening transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation, battery energy storage systems and other emerging energy solutions.
Highlighting the State’s significant renewable-energy potential, particularly in solar and hydropower, Sema pointed out that Nagaland continues to depend heavily on electricity purchased from outside the State. He said the State’s peak power requirement is around 193 MW, while its actual in-State generation is only about 20 MW, meeting roughly 10 per cent of the requirement.
He said Nagaland has an installed generation capacity of 29.4 MW, although actual generation remains around 20 MW. In addition, the State receives a share of around 202 MW from Central Sector projects, including those of NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC.
Against this backdrop, Sema stressed the need for the State to explore innovative and sustainable energy solutions, including solar, hydro and hybrid projects, backed by adequate transmission and storage infrastructure.
“Power generation should be viewed as a key foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities,” Sema emphasised, while also underlining the need to balance development with environmental conservation. He said Nagaland’s rich natural resources should be harnessed responsibly to ensure sustainable development and long-term benefits for future generations.
Welcoming NETC’s interest in the State, Sema called upon the company to submit concrete proposals and viable options for collaboration aimed at strengthening Nagaland’s power sector. He said the State Government was open to examining innovative partnership models that could help harness its energy potential, strengthen infrastructure and reduce dependence on external power.
Welcoming NETC’s initiative, Sema asked the company to provide concrete options and submit proposals for collaboration that could strengthen Nagaland’s power sector and create long-term benefits for future generations.
He said the Government was open to examining viable partnership models and innovative approaches that could help the State harness its energy potential and reduce dependence on external power.
NETC Managing Director, Jai Shankar said the company was keen to work closely with the Government of Nagaland and explore strategic partnerships in transmission infrastructure, renewable energy and battery energy storage.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
He said NETC viewed Nagaland not merely as an external partner but as a stakeholder in its long-term vision, with the objective of developing collaborative models for infrastructure creation.
Shankar stressed the need for Nagaland to prepare for the evolving energy landscape by strengthening transmission and transformation capacity alongside renewable energy expansion. He said the State should adopt an appropriate energy mix involving hydro, solar, wind, gas and other sources, supported by adequate storage systems.
He said NETC was examining multiple areas for collaboration, including development of transmission lines and substations, renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and hybrid energy projects.
Shankar also proposed the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the State to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and associated substations. He added that investment in solar and hybrid projects integrated with storage systems was another key area under consideration.
He further suggested that Nagaland could optimise its existing transmission connectivity to evacuate surplus renewable energy, noting that the State has significant untapped potential in hydro and solar power. Such development, he said, could enable power consumption within the State as well as energy trading outside, generating revenue and reducing overall power costs.
Principal Secretary Power, KD Vizo highlighted the need to scale up Nagaland 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, adding that the Government would examine NETC’s proposals and explore viable avenues for collaboration and resource mobilisation.
Head HR & BD (Corporate), North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC), Riteish Kumar, made a presentation on the company’s proposal for strengthening Nagaland’s power infrastructure through strategic partnership with the State Government.
