Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on January 19 said the state government has floated an Expression of Interest (EOI) inviting private developers to set up solar power plants at five locations across the state, as part of its push to expand renewable energy capacity.
The announcement came after the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the 24 MW Tuirini Small Hydro Electricity Power Project on the banks of the Tuirini River. Lalduhoma said the proposed solar projects would come up at Tumtuitlang; Serchhip Vengchung Bawkmual and Hmunhmeltha; the Denlung area in Hnahthial; Tlabung Tlang; and Lallen and Dawhzau Zau in Lamzawl.
He said as many as 75 Village Councils have already given written consent, offering land within their jurisdictions for the establishment of solar power plants. The projects, Lalduhoma added, will be implemented in phases based on feasibility and progress on the ground.
Referring to rooftop solar initiatives, the Chief Minister said 791 installations have been completed so far, generating a total capacity of around 2.62 MW. He attributed the uptake to financial incentives, including a 60 per cent Central subsidy and an additional 20–25 per cent subsidy from the state government, depending on the area.
Lalduhoma also said the state is planning a Pump Storage Project at Tuichang Lui near the Vankal Solar Park in Khawzawl district. The project is aimed at pumping water to higher elevations during low-demand periods and generating power during peak hours, or alternatively supplying electricity through energy trading.
He said the initiatives underline Mizoram’s commitment to building clean and sustainable energy infrastructure while gradually reducing reliance on conventional power sources.