Mizoram Chief Minister Announces Solar and Hydropower Expansion Plans Amid Criticism
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma unveiled plans for a 10-MW solar power plant in Thenzawl and announced the outsourcing of smaller hydropower projects to lower maintenance costs, amid criticism from the opposition Congress regarding potential risks to hydropower revenue. The state is advancing two significant hydropower projects and developing six new solar parks, aiming to address the rising electricity demand while maintaining tariffs for the next five years. Currently, Mizoram relies heavily on electricity imports from Tripura, incurring annual costs of approximately Rs 4 billion.
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Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced the inauguration of a 10-MW solar power plant in Thenzawl and the decision to outsource operations of smaller hydel projects to reduce upkeep costs. The opposition Congress criticized the move, arguing it may endanger the state's hydropower revenue potential.
Mizoram currently has 14 hydroelectric plants totaling over 100 MW capacity, including the 12-MW Serlui-B project. The state government is advancing two major hydropower projects: a 24-MW plant on the Tuirini river costing Rs 6.76 billion and a 132-MW project on the Tuivai river costing Rs 24 billion, expected to generate 380 million units of electricity annually.
Additionally, six new solar parks with a total capacity of 66 MW will be developed. Mizoram imports most of its electricity from Tripura, costing around Rs 4 billion annually, while demand grows at 7.6% per year, peaking at 160 MW. The government plans to maintain electricity tariffs for five years.
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