he Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a project to convert around 5,000 electricity-powered drinking water pumps into solar-powered systems to reduce the state's power bill
AGARTALA — The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has launched a project to convert around 5,000 electricity-powered drinking water pumps into solar-powered systems to reduce the state's power bill, an official said on Wednesday.
The Drinking Water and Sanitation (DWS) department currently spends around Rs 125 crore annually on electricity to operate nearly 10,000 conventional water pumps across the state.
"The high expenditure incurred by the DWS department on water supply came up during a recent review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha. Following his directive, we have initiated a programme to convert at least 5,000 water pumps to solar power to reduce electricity costs," TREDA Director General Debabrata Sukladas told PTI.
As part of the initiative, TREDA has begun the process of converting 2,300 small-bore water pumps into solar-powered units at an estimated cost of INR 60 crore.
"The tender has already been floated, and work on the ground is expected to begin shortly. We aim to complete this phase during FY 2026-28," Sukladas said.
He said the conversion of these 2,300 pumps alone is expected to save the DWS department around Rs 5 crore annually in electricity charges.
Sukladas said maintaining conventional electricity supply to water pumps in remote hilly areas remains a major challenge, while extending grid connectivity to sparsely populated locations is often not economically viable.
"Solar-powered pumps will ensure a reliable water supply in such areas while significantly reducing operating costs," he said.
TREDA currently generates around 37 MW of solar power in the state.
Sukladas also said the state's renewable energy sector received strong investor interest during the 'Destination Tripura: Business Conclave' held last month.
"The state's power sector attracted investment proposals worth INR 17,000 crore. A substantial share of these proposals is in the solar energy sector. We are working to translate these investment proposals into projects on the ground," he said.