Nagaland invites private investment in untapped solar and hydropower sector

Chümoukedima, October 30 (MExN): Nagaland state on Friday invited private investors to participate in its energy sector, with a senior official urging companies that had signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) years ago to begin implementation.

Speaking at the North East Energy Summit 2026 at The Niathu Zone Chümoukedima, KD Vizo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office, Power and Law & Justice, said the state’s potential in solar and hydropower remained largely untapped, a DIPR report stated.

“If you are investing in thousands of crores of rupees in other states and regions, why not consider investing in Nagaland?” Vizo said, adding that the Power Department was ready to welcome investors.
He said several PPAs had been signed with private firms under the state’s 2018 Power Policy, but some had been pending for nearly four years without taking off.

The projects awaiting implementation include two 20 MW solar plants, one by My Hello Agency at Rs 4.14 per unit and another by Tenas Bangshal. A 27 MW thermal plant by NS Petro Method at Tuli has been contracted at Rs 4.80 per unit, and a 10 MW biomass plant by MS Group Private Limited at Tuli at Rs 5.06 per unit. A 22.5 MW hydropower project at Khagrachari by MS Haritha Energy Private Limited is also pending.

Vizo said progress on rooftop solar had been slow, with only 650 installations completed against a target of 10,900. He attributed this to limited public awareness despite central and state subsidies and banking support.

The government is also planning 17 Solar Model Villages, one in each district, and the tendering process is under way, he said. Work on the Chief Minister’s Solar Committee Scheme is also in progress.

On transmission, Vizo said the 220 kV Zathima–Dimapur line was at an advanced stage and, once commissioned, would improve power stability in Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Tuensang and Mokokchung districts. Extension of extra-high-voltage infrastructure to districts such as Mon is also being taken up.

He said the government was making efforts to bring the power sector to profitability within the next two years. Work is under way on distribution transformer augmentation, strengthening of distribution lines and smart meter installation under centrally sponsored schemes.

Stressing that development could not be the government’s responsibility alone, Vizo said the private sector had an important role in bringing investment, technology and expertise. He expressed hope of making Nagaland an energy-sufficient state.

Power Minister KG Kenye urged government departments, industry representatives, public sector enterprises and financial institutions to identify priority investment opportunities, prepare viable projects and set up mechanisms to follow up on commitments made at the summit.

He hoped the proposed NEES Declaration would be a starting point for sustained cooperation, with clearly defined priorities, responsibilities and timelines. Kenye said the state government was committed to ensuring that energy development translated into better infrastructure, public services, employment and a stronger economy, and supported the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Themed “Northeast: India’s Energy Frontier,” the summit was organised by the Geology and Mining Department, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the North East Energy Summit, under the Nagaland Energy Chapter. It aimed to highlight the region’s energy potential and explore investment, development and regional cooperation.

Keynote addresses and panel discussions covered hydrocarbon and mineral exploration, renewable energy, natural gas and power-sector development. Sessions included “India’s Upstream Outlook and the North East,” “Unlocking Nagaland’s Hydrocarbon Potential,” and “North East Gas Grid and City Gas Distribution.”

Kenye lit the ceremonial lamp at the inaugural session, which also featured addresses by representatives of the Geology and Mining Department and other dignitaries.