Agartala, Sep 03: Tripura is gearing up for a major renewable energy push, with the state government setting a target to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of solar power within the next two years. The plan includes installation of solar panels in 50,000 households, covering nearly 10 lakh consumers, and bringing all government offices under solar power.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday announced the initiative while inaugurating a 132 kV substation at Manu in Dhalai district. He stressed that the move was necessary as Tripura’s dependence on gas-based power had become unsustainable. “We now have to rely on solar power. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised that solar energy is crucial for sustainable living,” Nath said.
Tripura’s solar generation has increased nearly tenfold, from just 3 MW before 2018 to 29 MW today. Nath described this as a “turning point” in the state’s energy roadmap, noting that gas shortages have drastically reduced output at plants like Rukhia, where production has dropped from 63 MW to 19 MW.
Alongside the solar expansion, the minister highlighted the rapid growth of power infrastructure over the past seven years. The number of 132 kV substations has gone up from 12 to 20, with two more under construction, while the 132 kV transmission line network has nearly doubled from 485 km to 986 km. Similarly, 33 kV substations have grown from 44 to 75, and underground cabling has expanded from 95 km to 571 km.
The state’s consumer base has also widened from 7.21 lakh in 2018 to 10.38 lakh now. Nath said while this reflected development, it also placed added pressure on the power grid. He urged consumers to inform Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) before installing heavy-load appliances so transformer capacity could be adjusted.
“Power is essential for daily life, and the growing demand shows Tripura’s development. But we must ensure benefits reach people across political lines,” Nath remarked.
Work to shift all government offices to solar power is expected to begin within the next two months.
