Nagaland woos energy investors, presses firms sitting on old power deals

Nagaland has invited private companies to invest in its largely untapped solar and hydropower potential, while asking firms that signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) with the state years ago to finally start work.

The call came at the North East Energy Summit 2026, held at The Niathu Zone in Chumoukedima on Friday, according to a report from the state's Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR).

"If you are investing in thousands of crores of rupees in other states and regions, why not consider investing in Nagaland?" asked KD Vizo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister's Office, Power and Law & Justice. He said the Power Department was ready to welcome investors.

Deals stuck on paper

Vizo said several PPAs were signed with private firms under the state's 2018 Power Policy, but some had been pending for close to four years. Those awaiting implementation include:

• two 20 MW solar plants, one at Rs 4.14 per unit
• a 27 MW thermal plant at Tuli at Rs 4.80 per unit
• a 10 MW biomass plant at Tuli at Rs 5.06 per unit
• a 22.5 MW hydropower project

Rooftop solar far behind

Rooftop solar has moved slowly, Vizo said, with only 650 installations completed against a target of 10,900. He blamed low public awareness, despite central and state subsidies and bank support.

The government plans 17 Solar Model Villages, one in each district, and tendering for these is under way. Work on the Chief Minister's solar scheme is also progressing, he said.

Grid and finances

On transmission, the 220 kV Zathima-Dimapur line is at an advanced stage. Once commissioned it should improve power stability in Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Tuensang and Mokokchung districts. Extra-high-voltage infrastructure is also being extended to districts such as Mon.

Vizo said the government aimed to make the power sector profitable within two years, with transformer upgrades, stronger distribution lines and smart meters being installed under centrally sponsored schemes.

Summit declaration

Power Minister KG Kenye, who inaugurated the summit, asked departments, industry, public sector companies and financial institutions to identify priority projects, prepare viable proposals and set up a system to follow up on commitments made at the event. He said he hoped a proposed NEES Declaration would become the starting point for sustained cooperation with clear priorities and timelines.

Themed "Northeast: India's Energy Frontier", the summit was organised by Nagaland's Geology and Mining Department with the North East Energy Summit under the Nagaland Energy Chapter. Sessions covered upstream oil and gas, Nagaland's hydrocarbon potential, renewable energy and the North East Gas Grid and city gas distribution.