Union minister Khattar stresses gradual shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources

GANGTOK,  (IPR): The Regional Power Conference of Northeastern States was held in Gangtok today under the chairmanship of Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar and in the presence of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

The conference was attended by the Power ministers of Mizoram, Tripura and Meghalaya F Rodingliana, Ratan Lal Nath and AT Mondal respectively, MLA and Sikkim Power department advisor Sanjit Kharel, Ministry of Power secretary Pankaj Agarwal, State Power secretary Bikash Deokota, Power secretary (IPP Thermal) T.T. Lepcha and secretaries of Power from Northeastern States.

The session began with a welcome address by the Ministry of Power secretary Pankaj Agarwal. He provided an overview of the meeting's purpose, highlighted key issues for discussion, and presented the agenda for the day.

In his address, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang thanked the Union minister for selecting Sikkim as the venue for the meeting and expressed his appreciation for the Union minister's visit.

The Chief Minister highlighted Sikkim's progress in hydropower, organic farming, pharmaceutical production, and tourism. He mentioned that the State follows a development path that considers environmental protection. He also briefed on the damage to a major hydropower project caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

The Chief Minister reiterated the State's support for the national goal of expanding green energy and meeting energy targets. Stating that the Union minister would help strengthen the power infrastructure and capacity in the State, the Chief Minister requested support for extending the power grid to Soreng and for building a new transmission line for the Relli-chu project. He also shared that Sikkim has launched a rooftop solar support scheme under the Sikkim Garib Awas Yojana.

Additionally, the Chief Minister requested that the Ministry direct PFC and REC to release the State guarantee previously provided for loans taken by SPICL/SUL. He noted that delays in this matter were affecting the State Finance department’s approved market borrowing, which has already been cleared by the Ministry of Finance.

Addressing the gathering, Union minister Manohar Lal Khattar spoke about the need to reduce fossil fuel use in power generation and stressed that India should transition gradually to cleaner energy sources such as hydro, solar, and wind. He emphasised that this change should be made cautiously to maintain a stable power supply across all regions.

Khattar acknowledged that thermal power will still be used, but should gradually decrease over time. He urged all States to take responsibility for generating power and ensuring that their transmission systems function properly. He stated that every household must have access to electricity and promised that the issues raised would be addressed through joint efforts between the Central and State governments. He also called for public support in carrying out development work.

The Union minister spoke about India’s net-zero carbon emissions goal. He said it can be achieved by reducing emissions, using renewable energy, and promoting carbon absorption measures such as reforestation. He emphasised the importance of collective efforts across sectors, supported by technological advancements and policy changes.

Khattar emphasised that power is essential for economic growth, infrastructure development, and improving living standards. Without a reliable power supply, industrial progress, job creation, and citizen welfare would be difficult. Power is also vital for daily activities, healthcare, education, and industry modernisation.

The conference included a series of technical presentations.

Ministry of Power additional secretary (Thermal) Piyush Singh gave a presentation on the management of summer power demand, joint secretary (Transmission) Dr. D. Sai Baba on intra-State transmission capacity tie-up (TBCB/RTM) up to 2030, joint secretary (Distribution, Reform Utility) Shashank Misra on the financial viability of DISCOMs and Central Electricity Authority chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad on ‘Resource Adequacy – Capacity Tie-up up to 2030’.

Following the presentations, representatives from all Northeastern States took part in a discussion. They expressed their views, highlighted concerns, and offered suggestions. They acknowledged the challenges their States face and agreed on the importance of working together.

The conference was also attended by officials from the Ministry of Power, State Power department, Central Electricity Authority, REC Limited, as well as officials and representatives from Central Government and State government.