Tripura Embraces Solar Power to Meet Future Electricity Needs
In a major step toward cleaner energy, Tripura’s Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced that the state is shifting focus to solar energy to secure its electricity future. With natural gas reserves running low, the government is promoting solar power as a sustainable and cost-effective solution for homes and offices.
During an awareness campaign on the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana at Kailashahar in Unakoti District, Minister Nath shared that since 2018, the Tripura Power Department has installed several small solar power plants with a total capacity of 29 MW. He explained that the government plans to cover all government offices with solar panels to save energy and reduce costs.
The minister highlighted the rising number of electricity consumers in the state, from 7.21 lakh before 2018 to over 10.38 lakh now. This growth shows how electricity access is expanding across Tripura.
Another important project under revival is the Dumbur Hydroelectric Power Plant in Gomati District. Built in 1976, it initially produced 10 MW of electricity but has been producing much less in recent years due to damages caused by last year’s severe floods. Now, the state is working with experts from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) to bring the plant back to life and restore its power generation capacity to around 11 MW.
Power in Tripura is mainly generated from natural gas, which includes sources like Rukhia, Palatana, Ramchandra Nagar, and Monarchak. However, as gas supplies decline, these projects are producing less electricity. Recognizing this challenge, the government is actively promoting solar energy to fill the gap and future-proof the power supply.
The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in February 2024, encourages people to install solar panels on rooftops and open land. Minister Nath emphasized that solar power can help families save on electricity bills and even earn money by setting up small solar plants on their properties.
To spread awareness, the Tripura State Electricity Corporation is organizing camps across the state, encouraging more households to adopt solar energy. The goal is ambitious: to install solar panels in 50,000 households, generating a total of 150 MW of solar power for Tripura.
Everyone is invited to take part in this clean energy movement. As the state faces the reality of decreasing natural gas supplies, solar power offers a bright and sustainable solution for Tripura’s energy future.
Key Keywords: Tripura solar power, PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, renewable energy, solar panels in Tripura, solar energy benefits, electricity future, government initiatives on solar power
