Solar Power Plant at Hovukhu village under Niuland District.
Demand for solar street lights increased manifold in Nagaland
Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 5
The 1st Phase of Solar Power Plant of capacity 5MW at Hovukhu Village under Niuland District which was completed and is currently under trial run. This was stated in Annual Administrative Report 2024-25 tabled by Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio at the sixth session of 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in Kohima on March 4.
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)/MOU with the Power Department are underway, the Report stated adding that the process will be completed within the current financial year 2024-25.
During trial run, about 1.48 million units (approx.) of energy were injected into the state grid from this Solar Power Plant. The 2nd Phase of 5MW Solar Power Plant is under execution and expected to be completed by this financial year.
Like the 1st Phase Solar Power Plant, the 2nd Phase Solar Power Plant will also inject the Energy generated from the plant into the state grid.
5MW Solar Power Plant at Zhadima/Teichuma village
The Report stated that the 5MW Zhadima Solar Power Plant at Teichuma is under execution and is expected to be completed during the current financial year.
The energy generated will be evacuated to 132/33 KV sub-station at Zhadima.
Presently, preparation of land for mounting structures and associated housing is underway.
The project upon completion is expected to augment state’s own power generation by another 5MW which is expected to ameliorate the power crisis of the State.
Expansion of power generation capacity is available in the adjacent area in the near future, the Report stated.
Under the scheme of Off-grid standalone solar water pump under PM- KUSUM scheme (Component- B), 200 nos. of Off-grid Standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps of capacity 2HP and 3HP is under process for implementation in the State.
The Scheme was sanctioned by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, GoI for the farmers for agricultural purposes.
During 2024-25 under Biogas programme, 10 nos. of biogas plant was sanctioned for the state of Nagaland. The programme is under progress.
This programme aims to produce cooking gas, lightning purposes, protects the environment from pollution and also reduce the drudgery of the children and women folks.
Under State Development Plan during 2024-25, the Department has installed Solar Street Light in and around Kisama for the celebration of the 25th anniversary of Hornbill festival in Nagaland.
The report stated that the provision of Solar Street lights in the state have greatly helped the local populace enhancing safer and secured movement of elderly and womenfolk’s at night.
There are instances where students study under street light in the absence of essential lights at night. Over the years, the demand for solar street lights has increased manifold.
‘Future of renewable energy looks promising’
The report stated that renewable energy is becoming more important than ever in today’s world as nations work toward reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and ensuring energy security.
With growing concerns over fossil fuel depletion, rising energy demands and environmental sustainability, the transition to renewable energy sources is accelerating globally.
Despite progress, renewable energy still faces challenges like storage limitations, high initial costs, dependency on weather conditions etc. However, advancement in battery technology, smart grids and policy support are making renewable more efficient and accessible.
The future of renewable energy looks promising, the Report stated adding “With continued innovations, supportive policies and global cooperation, renewable energy is expected to dominate the energy sector by, mid-century, leading to a cleaner, more sustainable world.”
The Department of New & Renewable Energy (DNRE), Nagaland serves as the State Nodal Agency for promoting and implementing renewable energy initiatives in the State. It works in coordination with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India and the State Government of Nagaland to develop and deploy sustainable energy solutions.
Solar Power Plant, Small Hydro Project, Solar Street Light, Biogas and Off-grid Standalone Solar Water Pump under PMKUSUM are some of the programs/schemes carried out by the Department.
.jpg)
