Agartala, September 10:** Tripura on Thursday unveiled a long-term clean-energy strategy aimed at meeting the state’s growing electricity requirements through renewable power, modern distribution infrastructure, energy storage and skilled manpower.
The **Tripura Clean Energy Roadmap 2035**, along with the **Green Skilling Programme ‘Unnayan’** and **TREAT (Transforming Renewable Energy Acceleration in Tripura)**, was launched at an event in Agartala attended by senior government officials, representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), REC and other stakeholders.
According to TSECL Managing Director **Biswajit Basu**, the state’s present electricity demand stands at around **380 MW** and is expected to rise to **520 MW by 2030** and **800 MW by 2035**.
Power Minister **Ratan Lal Nath** said strengthening the power sector was essential to supporting the state’s industrial, healthcare and education sectors. He said Tripura was currently meeting its domestic electricity requirements and also exporting power to Bangladesh.
Nath said the government would focus not only on expanding renewable-energy capacity but also on creating a workforce capable of supporting the sector. Under the **Unnayan** programme, more than **1,000 people** will receive green-skills training, including ITI graduates, Class XII pass-outs, self-help group members, diploma engineers and technicians.
He stressed the need for trained personnel to install, service and maintain solar-energy systems as their deployment expands across the state.
A major component of the power-sector modernisation plan is the conversion of Agartala’s existing electricity distribution network into an underground system. Nath said the entire network within the **Agartala Municipal Corporation** area would be shifted underground at an estimated cost of more than **Rs 1,500 crore**.
According to him, tenders have been finalised and work orders issued. The project is expected to commence after the elections, following a **Bhumi Puja** in the presence of Chief Minister **Dr Manik Saha**.
Basu said the state was also examining rooftop and floating solar projects, battery energy storage, hydrokinetic projects and rehabilitation of existing hydropower facilities. An **800 MW hydro pumped-storage project** is also under consideration, while green hydrogen opportunities are being explored.
The proposed upgrade of Agartala’s distribution network will incorporate **GIS substations, SCADA systems, underground cabling and optical-fibre communication** to establish a smart-grid framework.
ADB Principal Energy Specialist **James Kolantharaj** described the roadmap as a framework for combining renewable-energy expansion with energy security and green employment. He stressed that the clean-energy transition should create opportunities for youth, women, farmers, communities and entrepreneurs.
The Unnayan programme will offer certified training in green skills, particularly in solar applications. Three companies associated with **PM-SGMBY and PM-KUSUM** were also felicitated for their contribution to renewable-energy development in the state.
