By Thantluanga, Nehemia Infimate and Rishikesh Mishra
As India works to decarbonise its power sector, Mizoram is emerging as a test case for how mountainous, grid-constrained states can pursue clean, reliable energy. Earlier in November, the Mizoram government invited tenders for solar projects to diversify its energy portfolio. Electricity in Mizoram has reached the last mile, but the state’s energy ecosystem remains fragile.
The state’s abundant clean energy potential and supportive policy frameworks, along with the push for energy self-sufficiency, make Mizoram an emerging destination for sustainable infrastructure investment.
However, the journey from potential to reliable energy systems requires more than building physical assets or new plants and upgrading to climate-resilient grids. It also requires integrated planning, better data, and coordination across sectors.
Mapping locations with high energy demand, climatic vulnerabilities, and energy potential, especially in remote areas, can accelerate smarter decisions.
Using digital and spatial planning tools can also attract private capital by reducing risks, improving project targeting, and demonstrating bankable opportunities.
Mapping energy access
A promising avenue lies in the use of spatial data and digital planning. Platforms like the Energy Access Explorer (EAE)– an online, open-source, interactive geospatial tool, allows policymakers, developers, and financiers identify high-priority areas for clean energy investments.
The Zoram Energy Development Agency (ZEDA), Mizoram’s renewable energy nodal agency, is planning to integrate such tools to guide investments in decentralised renewable energy (DRE) and resilient infrastructure in ways that align with social and economic priorities.
Current landscape and growing demand
The installed capacity of 139.16 MW as of January 2026, sourced mainly from hydro and solar energy, is insufficient to meet the current needs, forcing the state to import much of its power from central and interstate generating stations.
Adding to this, Mizoram’s electricity requirement and peak demand are projected to grow steadily at 4 per cent and 3 per cent from FY 2025-26 to FY 2035-36, respectively, putting additional pressure on already constrained systems.
The Central Electricity Authority also warns that the state could face energy deficits ranging up to 40 MU, between FY 2028-29 and 2034-35, if new projects are delayed – a possibility given terrain challenges and financing constraints that often slow construction and raise project costs.
Electricity consumption in Mizoram is primarily driven by domestic use, which accounts for nearly 60% of total sales, followed by public waterworks (19.4%), commercial use (10.6%), and industrial consumption. Moreover, demand peaks between November and February, especially during evening hours when solar power generation is low, making a stronger case for energy storage and flexible generation.
The Resource Adequacy analysis estimates a contracted generation capacity of 658 MW by 2035-36 comprising hydro, solar, gas, coal, and DRE. This would raise the share of non-fossil capacity to about 77%, significantly reshaping the state’s power mix in favour of cleaner sources.
Policy landscape
Mizoram needs an enabling policy ecosystem to unlock its renewable potential, by building on the Mizoram Solar Power Policy and Hydro Power Policy to scale its installed renewable energy (RE) capacity.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) estimates the state’s RE potential at 9,090 MW in solar power, 1,926.7 MW in large hydro power and 168.9 MW in small hydro power. By 2030, Mizoram aims to increase the share of renewable energy from 31% to 40% and ensure electricity for all households.
Mizoram is also implementing national schemes such as the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), PM Surya Ghar and PM KUSUM to modernise the grid, reduce losses, and improve last-mile connectivity.
The State Government is also exploring the possibility of setting up Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) alongside existing solar power plants to strengthen grid stability.
Data hosted on the EAE can complement these efforts by helping the state prioritise projects and support the state in making data-informed decisions in keeping with the state’s needs and landscape.
A Model for the Northeast
Mizoram’s experience can be a useful guide for other Northeastern states seeking to balance ecological preservation with inclusive economic growth. By strengthening its energy base and embracing DRE solutions, Mizoram can lead the region’s shift towards a low-carbon, reliable, and equitable energy future.
If the state continues to integrate innovation with policy ambition, it can demonstrate that clean energy transitions are not just a climate imperative but a development opportunity for India’s most remote geographies, showing that reliability, equity and sustainability can advance together.
Thantluanga, Assistant Engineer, Zoram Energy Development Agency – ZEDA, Nehemia Infimate, Senior Program Associate, WRI India and Rishikesh Mishra, former Program Manager, WRI India.
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