The central government has allocated Rs 81 crore to Tripura, targeting the establishment of 274 solar microgrids across remote regions within the northeastern state. The primary aim of this initiative is to illuminate and provide electricity to more than 9,000 households in these underserved areas. This financial backing intends to enhance access to sustainable energy sources, thereby positively impacting the lives of numerous families residing in these remote communities within Tripura.
Under the project of the Ministry of Development of Northeast Region (DoNER), the microgrids will be established in hamlets in Dhalai, Unakoti, and South, West, and North Tripura districts, where “conventional electricity appears non-profitable” to the state power utility because of low population density, said an official from Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA). “The DoNER has sanctioned Rs 81 crore to Tripura for setting up 274 solar microgrids in remote areas, particularly tribal hamlets, where conventional electricity has not reached the people yet. A total of 9,250 families will be benefited under the project,” the official further explained.
The official also mentioned that within the northeastern state, numerous tribal and non-tribal settlements remain devoid of electricity, primarily due to their geographical remoteness and sparse population distribution. He further elaborated that a forthcoming initiative aims to illuminate these households by harnessing solar power, thereby addressing the persistent lack of access to electricity in these isolated areas. “Each solar microgrid will have an installed capacity ranging from 2 KW to 25 KW depending on the population of a particular habitation. Although the tariff has not been finalized yet, the beneficiary needs to pay a small amount for power consumption,” he said, adding the work is expected to commence in the current fiscal.
TREDA’s assessment indicates that the northeastern state holds a solar power potential of 2,000 MW. However, the current generation capacity stands at a mere 19.50 MW, showcasing a significant disparity between the existing generation and the immense untapped potential available in this region for harnessing solar energy.
