Nagaland seeks private investment in renewable energy, hydropower and power infrastructure at the North East Energy Summit 2026
State government pitches renewable energy and hydropower opportunities at regional summit, while calling for the implementation of long-pending power projects
DIMAPUR — Nagaland has called for greater private-sector investment in its energy sector, with the state government highlighting opportunities in renewable energy, hydropower and other power projects at the North East Energy Summit 2026 held at The Niathu Zone by Park, Chümoukedima, on October 30.
Addressing industry leaders, investors and development partners during the summit, KD Vizo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister’s Office, Power and Law & Justice, urged prospective investors to consider Nagaland as an investment destination, stressing that private-sector participation was essential to strengthening energy infrastructure and accelerating economic development.
“If you are investing in thousands of crores of rupees in other states and regions, why not consider investing in Nagaland?” Vizo remarked, assuring investors that the Department of Power was ready to welcome them.
Held on the theme “Northeast: India’s Energy Frontier,” the summit was organised by the Department of Geology and Mining in collaboration with the North East Energy Summit under the Nagaland Energy Chapter.
According to a DIPR report, the event aimed to highlight the region’s energy potential and explore investment, development and regional cooperation opportunities.
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Vizo highlighted the state’s potential in solar and hydropower and informed that several Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) had been signed with private companies under the state’s Power Policy introduced in 2018. However, he noted that some projects remained unimplemented despite agreements having been signed nearly four years ago, urging investors to translate their commitments into action.
Projects awaiting implementation include a 20 MW solar power project by My Hello Agency at a tariff of INR 4.14 per unit and another 20 MW solar project by Tenas Bangshal.
Other projects include a 27 MW thermal power plant by NS Petro Method at Tuli, with a tariff of INR 4.80 per unit; a 10 MW biomass power plant by MS Group Private Limited at Tuli, at INR 5.06 per unit; and a 22.5 MW hydropower project at Khagrachari by MS Haritha Energy Private Limited.
On rooftop solar adoption, Vizo said 650 installations had been completed against a target of 10,900.
He attributed the slow progress partly to limited public awareness and highlighted the availability of central and state subsidies, along with banking support. Awareness campaigns were being conducted to encourage consumers to adopt rooftop solar.
He also informed that work was underway on the Chief Minister’s Solar Committee Scheme and that the government planned to establish 17 Solar Model Villages, one in each district, with the tendering process in progress.
Regarding transmission infrastructure, Vizo said Nagaland had made significant progress, with the 220 kV Zathima–Dimapur transmission line at an advanced stage.
Once commissioned, the project is expected to improve power stability in districts including Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Tuensang and Mokokchung.
Initiatives were also being taken to extend extra-high-voltage transmission infrastructure to districts such as Mon.
He further highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen distribution infrastructure through transformer augmentation, distribution-line upgrades and smart meter installation under various centrally sponsored schemes.
The government, he said, was working towards making the power sector profitable within the next two years.
In a special address, KG Kenye, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, called on government departments, industry representatives, public sector enterprises and financial institutions to identify priority investment opportunities, prepare viable projects and improve coordination between the government and industry.
Kenye expressed hope that the proposed North East Energy Summit Declaration would provide a foundation for sustained cooperation, with clearly defined priorities, responsibilities and timelines.
He reiterated the Nagaland Government’s commitment to ensuring that energy development translates into improved infrastructure, better public services, increased investment, employment opportunities and a stronger state economy.
He also expressed confidence that the summit’s discussions and partnerships would contribute to the energy future of Nagaland and the Northeast while advancing the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The summit featured keynote addresses and panel discussions on hydrocarbon exploration, mineral exploration, renewable energy, natural gas and power-sector development.
Key sessions included “India’s Upstream Outlook and the North East,” “Unlocking Nagaland’s Hydrocarbon Potential,” “North East Gas Grid and City Gas Distribution,” and “Northeast, India’s Energy Frontier.”
The event brought together government officials, industry representatives, energy experts and other stakeholders to discuss the region’s energy prospects, with particular emphasis on Nagaland.