The North Eastern Region has almost 40% of the country’s total hydro potential. Additionally, the Region also has abundant resource of coal, oil and gas for thermal power generation. In spite of such huge potential the Region ranks lowest in the country in terms of per capita energy consumption. This is mainly due to inhospitable climatic conditions, remote location and inaccessibility of geographical locations etc. ultimately leading to lesser industrialisation.

However, with continual improvement of infrastructure and communication facilities, the North Eastern Region stands to become the Power House of India by utilising its power potential, especially in the hydel sector.

HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER :

The NE Region is blessed with huge hydro potential of about 55,930 MW (>25 MW), out of which 2027 MW (about 3.62%) has so far been harnessed as on 1st April, 2025. Additional 5000 MW of hydro power are under construction. The balance of about 87% is yet to be exploited. Contribution of NEEPCO in the hydro installed capacity of NER is 1525 MW i.e. about 75.23%.

NATURAL GAS :

200.11 BCM against 1094.19 BCM of reserves in the country.

COAL :

1777 Million BCM against 1094.19 BCM of reserves in the country.

POWER POTENTIAL OF OTHER SOURCES :

Estimated potential for renewable energy in the North Eastern region from Solar, Small Hydro and Bio-energy is around 66129 MW.

Small Hydro Power:
Small hydro potential in NER region is estimated at 3262 MW with major potential in Arunachal Pradesh (2065 MW), Sikkim (267 MW), Meghalaya (230 MW) and Assam (202 MW).

Bio-Energy:
Total potential is 567 MW with major potential in Assam (322 MW).

Solar:
Total Solar potential is NER is 62300 MW with major potential in Assam (13760 MW), Manipur (10630 MW) and Mizoram (9090 MW).