Tripura’s Power Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, has said the state’s energy future lies in solar power, as gas-based power generation is falling sharply due to a shortage of natural gas.
Four of the five gas power plants in the state have seen a drop in production. The Palatana plant is producing only 520 MW instead of 726 MW, while the Manarchak plant is down to 60 MW from its 100 MW capacity. At RC Nagar, NEEPCO is producing 80 MW against its installed 135 MW capacity, and Rokhia is producing 80 MW despite being designed for 63 MW.
Tripura’s daily power need currently stands at 370 MW and is expected to rise to 700 MW by 2030. These gas plants also supply power to neighbouring states, putting further pressure on the system. Nath warned that gas reserves are depleting with each passing day.
Urging citizens to turn towards solar energy, Nath highlighted the PM Surya Ghar scheme. Under this programme, households can generate electricity through rooftop solar panels and sell excess power to the Tripura Electricity Corporation (TSECL), turning consumers into “energy sellers.”
Alongside the solar push, the state is renovating the flood-damaged Gomati hydro-power project to generate 15 MW and has plans to build a pump storage power unit in Dhalai district to meet future demand.