NETC explores transmission, renewable energy and battery storage collaboration with State
Nagaland currently generates only around 20 MW of power against a peak demand of approximately 193 MW, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, said during a meeting with officials of North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC) in Kohima on Thursday.
Sema said the State has an installed generation capacity of 29.4 MW, but actual generation remains around 20 MW, meeting roughly 10% of its peak requirement.
He also said Nagaland receives an additional 202 MW through its share from Central Sector projects, including those of NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC.
Sema was speaking during a meeting with a NETC team led by its Managing Director, Jai Shankar, at his office chamber at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat. The meeting discussed potential collaboration and investment opportunities in Nagaland’s power sector, including transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation and battery energy storage.
Calling for greater investment and collaboration, Sema said reliable power was essential for industrial growth, healthcare, employment and overall development.
He highlighted Nagaland’s renewable energy potential, particularly in solar and hydro, while noting the State’s continued dependence on power purchased from outside.
Sema said Nagaland needs to explore innovative and sustainable solutions, including solar, hydro and hybrid energy projects supported by adequate transmission and storage infrastructure.
He also stressed that power generation should be viewed as a foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities, while ensuring that development does not come at the cost of the State’s environment.
Welcoming NETC’s initiative, Sema asked the company to provide concrete options and submit proposals for collaboration that could strengthen Nagaland’s power sector and create long-term benefits.
He said the State Government was open to viable partnership models and innovative approaches that could help harness Nagaland’s energy potential and reduce dependence on external power.
NETC proposes possible State partnership
NETC Managing Director Jai Shankar said the company was keen to explore strategic partnerships with the Nagaland Government to strengthen the State’s power infrastructure, including transmission systems, renewable energy development and battery energy storage systems.
Shankar said NETC viewed Nagaland “not merely as an external partner but as a stakeholder in the company’s long-term vision”, with the focus on developing collaborative models for infrastructure development.
He stressed the need for Nagaland to prepare for the evolving energy landscape by strengthening transmission and transformation capacity alongside renewable energy expansion.
He suggested an appropriate energy mix involving hydro, solar, wind, gas and other sources, supported by adequate storage systems.
According to the company, areas being examined for collaboration include transmission lines and substations, renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and hybrid energy projects.
Shankar also proposed the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the State Government to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and associated substations.
Investment in solar and hybrid projects integrated with storage systems was identified as another potential area of collaboration.
He further suggested that Nagaland could optimise its existing transmission connectivity to evacuate surplus renewable energy. With significant untapped hydro and solar potential, he said such development could enable both consumption within the State and energy trading outside it, potentially generating revenue and reducing overall power costs.
Principal Secretary Power K. D. Vizo highlighted the need to scale up Nagaland’s generation capacity, particularly through solar energy, while ensuring adequate transmission and substation infrastructure.
OSD Finance Ketoulhou Metha said energy remained a priority sector for the State despite its fiscal challenges, adding 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 on the company’s proposal for strengthening Nagaland’s power infrastructure through strategic partnership with the State Government.
