Reported by: Mrinal Banik
Agartala: Tripura has launched its Clean Energy Roadmap 2035 as the state prepares for a projected more than two-fold rise in electricity demand over the next decade, with consumption expected to increase from around 380 MW at present to nearly 800 MW by 2035.
The roadmap was formally launched in Agartala on Thursday along with the Green Skilling Programme ‘Unnayan’ and the Transforming Renewable Energy Acceleration in Tripura programme, with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) Managing Director Biswajit Basu said the state’s current electricity demand was around 380 MW and was projected to reach nearly 520 MW by 2030 and around 800 MW by 2035.
The roadmap focuses on expanding renewable energy generation and strengthening the state’s power infrastructure to meet the projected increase in demand.
The clean energy plan includes wider adoption of rooftop solar systems, Battery Energy Storage Systems and rehabilitation of hydropower projects.
The state will also examine the potential for hydrokinetic projects, an 800 MW pumped storage project, floating solar power and green hydrogen.
At present, Tripura has around 60 MW of solar power generation capacity, Basu said. Around 190 MW of electricity is also being exported to Bangladesh through the cross-border power connection.
Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath said reliable electricity supply was essential for industries, hospitals and educational institutions.
He said the state currently had no load-shedding, adding that temporary power disruptions in some areas should not be confused with load-shedding.
The state is also planning a major overhaul of the power distribution network in Agartala. Nath said the entire power infrastructure within the Agartala Municipal Corporation area would gradually be shifted underground at an estimated cost of more than Rs 1,500 crore.
According to Nath, the tender process has been completed and the work order issued. Work is expected to begin after the election process, while a Bhumi Pujan ceremony will be held in the presence of Chief Minister Manik Saha before the project starts.
The proposed smart-grid system for Agartala will include underground high- and low-voltage cables, GIS substations and a control centre integrated with SCADA and ADMS. An underground optical-fibre communication network is also part of the plan.
The clean energy transition will also include a green-skilling programme under which more than 1,000 people, including ITI graduates, Class XII pass youth, self-help group members, diploma engineers and technicians, are proposed to be trained, particularly in modern solar power applications.
ADB Principal Energy Specialist James Colastharaj said the roadmap was intended as an implementable plan for renewable energy development, energy security and green employment.
He said ADB had worked with the Tripura government and TSECL on the roadmap since 2023.