ADB unveils $3 billion clean energy road map for Tripura
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released the Tripura 6Ds Clean Energy Road Map and Implementation Plan 2025–2035, setting out a strategy to transform the state’s power sector around six priorities: decarbonization, diversification, decentralization, digitalization, durability and democratization. The roadmap targets at least 50% of Tripura’s total electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2035, supported by an additional 1,000 MW of renewable energy generation capacity.
The proposed renewable capacity additions include 200 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2030, comprising 130 MW of rooftop installations and 70 MW of ground-mounted systems. A further 300 MW of solar PV and 400 MW of hydropower with pumped storage are planned by 2035.
Rising demand
The roadmap projects a substantial increase in Tripura’s electricity requirements over the coming decade. Intrastate peak demand is expected to reach 525 MW by FY2030 and 730 MW by FY2035. When interregional and international power exports are included, overall state demand could exceed 820 MW by FY2030 and reach 1,630 MW by FY2035.
Tripura currently has 115 MW of installed capacity from its own power plants, but its effective available capacity is only 62 MW because of gas shortages and maintenance issues. The roadmap identifies the state’s dependence on ageing gas-based thermal generation as a major source of carbon emissions and a constraint on the reliability and sustainability of its power system.
The sector also faces limited diversification of energy sources, ageing grid infrastructure and aggregate technical and commercial losses exceeding 20%. Financial viability remains another concern, with tariff subsidies and low billing efficiency affecting the sector’s financial performance.
Generation and storage
Among the proposed interventions is the modernisation of the Rokhia gas-based thermal power plant through the addition of a new 120 MW combined cycle unit. The roadmap also proposes developing 1,000 MWh of battery energy storage capacity in phases to support the integration of renewable generation.
Transmission and distribution infrastructure would be strengthened through an additional 1,200 MVA of transformation capacity. The plan also calls for full-scale implementation of smart metering across the state as part of the wider digitalisation of the power sector.
Beyond established renewable technologies, the roadmap proposes feasibility studies for geothermal and wind energy and a pilot project for green hydrogen. It also envisages expanding cross-border power trade with BIMSTEC countries to 1,000 MW by 2035.
Investment plan
The total investment requirement under the roadmap is estimated at approximately $3 billion, equivalent to around ₹26,000 crore. ADB has already approved $277 million under the Tripura Power Distribution Strengthening and Generation Efficiency Improvement Project, while discussions are underway for an additional $375 million under the Transforming Renewable Energy Acceleration in Tripura (TREAT) program.
The remaining financing is expected to come from public-sector budgets, private investment and central government schemes, including PM Surya Ghar and PM-KUSUM.
Energy equity
The roadmap places emphasis on ensuring that the transition does not exclude lower-income electricity consumers. About 83% of domestic consumers in Tripura consume less than 100 kWh per month, highlighting the need for financing mechanisms and awareness programmes aimed at households with lower incomes.
Capacity building, community engagement and gender inclusion are also identified as priorities. The roadmap seeks to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition extend across different segments of society rather than being limited to infrastructure and generation development.
Implementation phases
The Implementation Plan is divided into successive phases covering immediate interventions during 2024–2025, renewable energy advancements during 2026–2030, and hydropower and infrastructure development during 2031–2035. It also provides for continued diversification beyond 2035.
The proposed enabling regulatory framework includes updated renewable purchase obligations, storage mandates, streamlined approval processes and tariff reforms. It also recommends policies supporting peer-to-peer electricity trading and the integration of electric vehicles into the state’s evolving power system.
The featured photograph is for representation only.
