Tripura's successful renewable energey programmes
REGIONAL: A 10-member delegation from the Department of New & Renewable Energy of Nagaland led by Adviser Er Picto Shohe, conducted a two-day study visit to Tripura recently to analyse the state's successful renewable energy programmes focusing on the PM-KUSUM Scheme. The delegation included senior officials such as Secretary Linda Solo and Director Er James Khala and visited several renewable energy installations overseen by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA).
Important projects inspected included off-grid solar water pumping systems, the solarization of agricultural pumps and grid-connected solar power plants. Among these were an 80 kWp solar PV plant under the Virtual Net Metering Arrangement, a community solar water purification plant and a 500 kWp solar PV power plant developed under the RESCO model at Tripura University.
A biogas plant at the Ramakrishna Mission Complex and a 100 kW solar power plant at the Land Port in Agartala were part of the tour.
The delegation engaged with officials and beneficiaries at Sathdubai and Rangacherra Gram Panchayats, allowing them to gather firsthand insights into the implementation of off-grid solar water pumps, solar irrigation systems, and the Green Village initiative. They also discussed the functioning of the community solar water purification plant.
During their visit, Er Picto Shohe met with Tripura's Minister for Power to explore potential areas for collaboration in the renewable energy sector. A review meeting was held, chaired by Abhishek Chandra, Secretary of the Power Department, where project implementation, policy initiatives, financing mechanisms and opportunities for inter-state collaboration were key discussion points.
On the second day, the delegation met with Tripura University's Vice-Chancellor Prof Shyamal Das to explore collaboration opportunities related to renewable energy awareness, research, skill development and capacity-building programmes for the North-Eastern Region. The team also evaluated the University's solar power plant and the biogas facility at the Ramakrishna Mission Complex.
The delegation commended Tripura's advancements in renewable energy, particularly in sustainable irrigation, clean drinking water, rural electrification and community infrastructure. They highlighted the effective financial and technical support for beneficiaries that has significantly contributed to the successful execution of renewable energy initiatives.
The visit aims to enhance cooperation between Nagaland and Tripura, facilitating the adoption of innovative clean energy solutions in Nagaland and promoting sustainable development, energy security and a greener future for the North-Eastern Region.