Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, held a high level meeting with North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC) official team led by Jai Shankar, Managing Director NETC at his office chamber in the Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima, on August 13, 2026.
The meeting deliberated on potential collaboration and investment opportunities in Nagaland’s power sector, with discussions focusing on strengthening transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation, battery energy storage and other areas of mutual interest.
Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, called for greater investment and collaboration in Nagaland’s power sector, stressing that reliable power is essential for industrial growth, healthcare, employment and overall development.
Sema highlighted the State’s vast renewable-energy potential, particularly in solar and hydro, while noting that Nagaland continues to depend heavily on power purchased from outside the State.
Sema also informed that against a peak power requirement of around 193 MW, generation within the State is only about 20 MW, meeting roughly 10 per cent of the requirement. He added that although the State has an installed generation capacity of 29.4 MW, actual generation remains around 20 MW. He added that further 202 MW of capacity comes from Central Sector projects, including NEEPCO, NHPC, NTPC and OTPC, through Nagaland’s share allocation.
Sema said the State needs to explore innovative and sustainable solutions, including solar, hydro and hybrid energy projects, along with adequate transmission and storage infrastructure. He stressed that power generation should be viewed as a key foundation for attracting industries and creating economic opportunities. He also highlighted Nagaland’s rich natural resources and urged investment that would ensure sustainable development while preserving the State’s environment.
Welcoming NETC’s initiative, Sema asked the company to provide concrete options and submit proposals for collaboration that could strengthen Nagaland’s power sector and create long-term benefits for future generations.
He said the Government was open to examining viable partnership models and innovative approaches that could help the State harness its energy potential and reduce dependence on external power.
NETC Managing Director Jai Shankar, while expressing the company’s interest in working closely with the State, said NETC was keen to explore strategic partnerships with the Government of Nagaland to strengthen the State’s power infrastructure, including transmission systems, renewable energy development and battery energy storage systems.
He said NETC viewed Nagaland not merely as an external partner but as a stakeholder in the company’s long-term vision, adding that the focus was on building collaborative models for infrastructure development.
Shankar stressed the need for Nagaland to prepare for the evolving energy landscape by strengthening transmission and transformation capacity alongside renewable energy expansion. He said the State should adopt an appropriate energy mix involving hydro, solar, wind, gas and other sources, supported by adequate storage systems.
He said NETC was examining multiple areas for collaboration, including development of transmission lines and substations, renewable energy projects, battery storage systems and hybrid energy projects.
Shankar also proposed the possibility of forming a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with equitable participation from NETC and the State to jointly develop transmission infrastructure and associated substations. He added that investment in solar and hybrid projects integrated with storage systems was another key area under consideration.
He further suggested that Nagaland could optimise its existing transmission connectivity to evacuate surplus renewable energy, noting that the State has significant untapped potential in hydro and solar power. Such development, he said, could enable power consumption within the State as well as energy trading outside, generating revenue and reducing overall power costs.
Principal Secretary Power, K.D. Vizo highlighted the need to scale up Nagaland power generation capacity, particularly through solar energy, while ensuring adequate transmission and substation infrastructure.
OSD Finance, Ketoulhou Metha said energy remains a priority sector for the State despite its fiscal challenges, adding that the Government would examine NETC’s proposals and explore viable avenues for collaboration and resource mobilisation.
Head HR & BD (Corporate), North East Transmission Company Limited (NETC), Riteish Kumar, made a presentation on the company’s proposal for strengthening Nagaland’s power infrastructure through strategic partnership with the State Government.
(Esuihangle, IA)
