The Northeast India Clean Energy Conclave 2026, hosted by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) at NEDFi House in Guwahati, convened senior government officials, industry leaders, and technology providers to outline a plan for scaling up renewable energy across Northeastern states. The region has an estimated renewable energy potential of 130 GW, primarily in hydro and solar resources, yet only about 2.3 GW is currently available, emphasizing a significant untapped investment opportunity in the sector. With electricity demand expected to surge by over 40% by 2031-32, stakeholders advocated for a robust, diversified power system emphasizing storage and reliability.
Mandvi Singh, Programme Director at iFOREST, highlighted this pivotal moment for the Northeast in India’s energy transition, urging that transforming identified opportunities into viable projects necessitates clear policies, assured offtake arrangements, and integrated planning for energy storage and transmission. The event’s inauguration by Assam’s Secretary (Power), Jadav Saikia, emphasized the state’s new solar and thermal generation policies aimed at fortifying clean energy transitions, including three pumped storage projects exceeding 3,000 MW capacity and substantial gains in rooftop solar initiatives reaching over 91,000 installations under the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Shri Kumar Sanjay Krishna, IAS (Retd), cautioned about global uncertainties in climate finance due to geopolitical and economic strains, underscoring the need for cultivating domestic investments in renewable energy. Baishali Talukdar from Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) reported remarkable growth in rooftop solar applications following the state’s incentive policy, with over 200,000 applications submitted shortly after its implementation, showcasing enhanced processing through digitization, reducing approval times significantly.
She projected reaching the target of 2.18 lakh rooftop installations by 2027 contingent upon continuous policy support and adaptation of the incentive structure. With rising electricity demand forecast to increase from 24,417 MU in 2025–26 to 34,572 MU by 2031–32, and peak demand expected to rise proportionately, experts noted the necessity for a modernized and flexible renewable energy framework, integrating various energy sources—rooftop and distributed solar, pumped storage, battery systems, and smart grid technologies.
The regional industrial expansion initiatives such as Advantage Assam 2.0 promise to stimulate new avenues for innovative renewable energy procurement. The Conclave concluded by urging coordinated efforts across policy, regulation, finance, and infrastructure to develop Northeast India into a prominent clean energy hub for the nation.