DIMAPUR: The North East Energy Summit (NEES) 2026, held under the theme “Northeast: India’s Energy Frontier,” took place at The Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, on October 30, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, energy experts and investors to explore the region’s vast energy potential and investment opportunities. The summit was organised by the Department of Geology and Mining, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the North East Energy Summit under the Nagaland Energy Chapter, a DIPR report stated.
Delivering the special address, minister for Power and Parliamentary Affairs, K.G. Kenye, urged participating government departments, industry representatives, public sector enterprises and financial institutions to identify priority investment opportunities, prepare viable projects and strengthen government-industry coordination.
He expressed hope that the proposed NEES declaration would serve as a foundation for sustained cooperation with clearly defined priorities, responsibilities and timelines.
Reiterating the state’s commitment to energy development, Kenye said the government was focused on ensuring that growth in the energy sector translated into improved infrastructure, better public services, increased investment, employment generation and a stronger economy.
He expressed confidence that the discussions and partnerships emerging from the summit would contribute significantly to the energy future of Nagaland and the Northeast while supporting the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Delivering the policy keynote address, principal secretary, Power and Law & Justice, K.D. Vizo, called on industry leaders, investors and development partners to explore opportunities in Nagaland’s energy sector and emphasised the importance of private-sector participation in strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure.
Highlighting Nagaland’s potential in renewable energy, particularly solar and hydropower, Vizo challenged investors to look beyond conventional destinations and consider Nagaland as a promising investment hub. Vizo informed that under the state’s 2018 Power Policy, several Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) had been signed with private companies. These include two 20 MW solar projects, a 27 MW thermal power project at Tuli, a 10 MW biomass power plant and a 22.5 MW hydropower project. However, he pointed out that several of these projects were yet to take off and urged investors to translate commitments into action.
On renewable energy initiatives, he disclosed that 650 rooftop solar installations had been completed against a target of 10,900. He said both central and state subsidies, along with banking support, were available and attributed the slow progress partly to limited public awareness.
He also highlighted the Chief Minister’s Solar Committee Scheme and informed that the government was planning to establish 17 Solar Model Villages, one in each district, with the tendering process currently underway. On transmission infrastructure, Vizo stated that Nagaland had made significant progress and was close to matching national standards. He noted that the 220 kV Zathima-Dimapur transmission line project was nearing completion and would improve power stability in Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Tuensang and Mokokchung districts.
The principal secretary further expressed optimism that the state’s power sector could move towards profitability within the next two years through ongoing reforms and implementation of centrally sponsored schemes. Extensive work, he said, was underway in areas such as transformer augmentation, strengthening of distribution networks and smart meter installation.
Vedanta backs Northeast energy growth
Vedanta Oil & Gas (VOGL), which participated in the summit, reinforced its commitment to unlocking the Northeast’s hydrocarbon potential at the North East Energy Summit 2026-Nagaland Energy Chapter, highlighting the region’s strategic role in strengthening India’s energy security and driving economic growth.
The company said the Northeast, despite its rich oil and gas legacy dating back to the Digboi-Namdang discoveries, still holds significant untapped hydrocarbon resources. Building on its experience in Barmer, Rajasthan, VOGL is exploring opportunities across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland. The company added that its Rudra discovery has reinforced confidence in the region’s hydrocarbon prospects. During industry panel discussions, VOGL officials, including Chief Development Officer Graham Richardson, Director-Northeast Balu Govind Meempat and Deputy Director-Northeast Avishkar Chauhan, emphasised the need for advanced technology, supportive policies and strong government-industry collaboration to accelerate exploration activities.
Vedanta also highlighted its investment commitments announced at Advantage Assam 2.0 and the Rising Northeast Summit, covering oil and gas projects across several Northeastern states, including Nagaland. The company said these investments support the objectives of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for the Northeast.
