DIMAPUR: Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner of Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, convened a high-level meeting with officials of the North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC) led by Managing Director Jai Shankar at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima on Thursday.
According to a DIPR report, the meeting focused on exploring collaboration and investment opportunities in Nagaland’s power sector, particularly in transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation, battery energy storage and hybrid energy projects.
During the deliberations, Sema underscored the urgent need for greater investment in the State’s power sector, stressing that reliable electricity supply is critical for industrial growth, healthcare, employment generation and overall development. He highlighted Nagaland’s vast renewable energy potential, especially in solar and hydro, while pointing out that the State continues to depend heavily on power purchased from outside. Against a peak requirement of 193 MW, Nagaland generates only about 20 MW locally, meeting roughly 10 per cent of its demand. Although the installed generation capacity stands at 29.4 MW, actual generation remains around 20 MW, with an additional 202 MW sourced from Central Sector projects including NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC.
Calling for innovative and sustainable solutions, Sema urged exploration of solar, hydro and hybrid projects supported by adequate transmission and storage infrastructure. He emphasized that power generation should be viewed as a foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities, while also ensuring sustainable development that preserves Nagaland’s environment. Welcoming NETC’s initiative, he asked the company to submit concrete proposals for collaboration that could strengthen the State’s power sector and benefit future generations.
NETC managing director Jai Shankar expressed keen interest in partnering with the Government of Nagaland to strengthen transmission systems, renewable energy development and battery energy storage. He proposed forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the State to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and substations. He also suggested investment in solar and hybrid projects integrated with storage systems, noting that Nagaland’s untapped hydro and solar potential could enable both local consumption and energy trading outside the State, thereby generating revenue and reducing costs.
Shankar stressed the importance of preparing for the evolving energy landscape by strengthening transmission and transformation capacity alongside renewable expansion. He advocated for an appropriate energy mix involving hydro, solar, wind, gas and other sources, supported by storage systems. NETC, he said, viewed Nagaland not merely as a partner but as a stakeholder in its long-term vision, with a focus on building collaborative models for infrastructure development.
Principal Secretary Power, K.D. Vizo, highlighted the need to scale up generation capacity, particularly through solar energy, while ensuring adequate transmission and substation infrastructure. OSD Finance, Ketoulhou Metha, acknowledged energy as a priority sector despite fiscal challenges, assuring 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 for strengthening Nagaland’s power infrastructure through strategic partnership with the State Government.