Meghalaya Leads Northeast in Green Energy: Over 50% Power from Renewables, Says Minister

Guwahati: Meghalaya Power Minister Metbah Lyngdoh announced that the state now meets more than half its electricity needs through renewable sources, positioning it as a pioneer in sustainable energy among Indian states.

Addressing the Regional Workshop on Renewable Energy for the North Eastern Zone on Friday, Lyngdoh emphasised Meghalaya’s long-standing focus on clean power since its formation. He revealed the state’s vast untapped potential: 3,000 MW from hydropower, 80 MW from wind, and over 1,000 MW from solar.

The Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Limited (MePGCL) already runs a fully green portfolio of 367 MW. To accelerate growth, the government launched the Meghalaya Power Policy 2024, designed to unlock renewable resources, draw private investment, and foster public-private partnerships (PPP) as well as collaborations with central public sector undertakings.

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Key developments include the allocation of two small hydro projects (37.5 MW combined) and one major hydro project (270 MW) to private developers. MePGCL has also prepared detailed reports for 12 additional small hydro schemes totalling 63 MW, earmarked for PPP execution.

Lyngdoh showcased the Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, launched in 2021, which has delivered solar-hybrid systems with battery storage to 3,500 rural homes, 1,609 primary schools, micro-enterprises, health centres, farmer groups, and cold-storage facilities. The initiative has also installed over 10,000 solar streetlights (130 kW total) and is developing three 50-kW solar mini-grids with Asian Development Bank funding.

Under the PM-KUSUM scheme, Meghalaya provides a 45% subsidy on solar pumps, leaving farmers to pay just 5%. An additional 2,000 pumps are currently being rolled out.

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The state is aggressively implementing the PM Suryaghar Muft Bijli Yojana, setting district-wise targets and running awareness drives across all 12 districts.

However, the minister flagged a key hurdle: the central benchmark of ₹55,000 per kWp for rooftop solar in the Northeast falls far short of actual costs, which range from ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 due to rugged terrain and remote logistics. He urged the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to revise these rates.

In a national first, Meghalaya has created a Model Solar Village in Hartall, East Jaintia Hills, featuring virtual net metering to enable decentralised green power.

Lyngdoh thanked the Centre for support under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which will electrify around 2,500 villages and 55,000 households, pushing Meghalaya toward full household electrification.

He also called for the restoration of central financial assistance for small hydro projects, vital for hydro-rich but budget-constrained states.