Tripura, a state in northeastern India, is exploring the possibility of exporting electricity to Nepal in a bid to enhance its status as a regional energy provider. The announcement was made by Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath on October 17, with the final decision on the proposal expected to be made by the Central Government.
The news came following the inauguration of the 132 KV Gokulnagar Sub-Station in Sepahijala district, which was constructed as part of the North Eastern Region Power System Improvement Project at a cost of Rs 43.98 crore. The new sub-station is anticipated to ensure a steady and high-quality supply of electricity to local consumers.
During the event, Minister Nath highlighted that Tripura’s power generation primarily relies on natural gas, but with reserves depleting, the state is facing challenges in meeting the increasing demand for electricity. He noted that the number of power consumers in the state has risen from 7.21 lakh to 10.38 lakh over the past seven years, reflecting the need for a more reliable power supply to support modernization efforts.
Nath also pointed out the impact of declining gas reserves on the Rokhia power project, where the output has decreased from 63 MW to 19 MW. To address this issue, the state government, in collaboration with the World Bank, is investing Rs 935 crore to upgrade the facility with combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) technology, which enhances efficiency without escalating gas consumption.
In addition to this, Tripura is working on an 800 MW pumped storage project at Chawmanu, with the Detailed Project Report currently in progress. Plans for a 400 KV sub-station at Suryamani Nagar are also in place to bolster transmission capacity and solidify Tripura’s position as a key energy hub in the region.
Minister Nath revealed that the state is already supplying power to Bangladesh and is now looking to extend this cooperation to Nepal as well. A meeting regarding this proposal is scheduled to take place in Delhi, with the Central Government expected to make the final decision.
Furthermore, in a bid to promote clean and sustainable energy practices, all government offices in Tripura will soon be equipped with rooftop solar power systems. This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to embrace renewable energy sources and reduce its carbon footprint.
