TREDA wins Silver at the 105th SKOCH Awards 2025 for solar microgrid projects transforming electricity access in Tripura’s remote tribal areas, benefiting over 9,700 households through sustainable, decentralized renewable energy under the PM-DEVINE scheme.
The Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) has earned national recognition by winning the Silver Medal at the 105th SKOCH Awards 2025 for its impactful work in expanding electricity access to remote tribal areas through solar-powered microgrid projects. The award highlights TREDA’s role in advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth in one of India’s most geographically challenging regions.
The prestigious award was presented at a formal ceremony held in New Delhi and was conferred by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman and Managing Director of the SKOCH Group, a leading think tank that evaluates governance, development, and social impact initiatives across the country. TREDA’s solar microgrid initiative stood out for its effectiveness in delivering decentralized renewable energy solutions to underserved communities in Tripura.
Bridging the Power Gap in Remote Tribal Regions
Tripura’s hilly terrain, dense forests, and scattered tribal settlements have historically made conventional grid-based electrification both technically difficult and financially unviable. Many villages are located far from motorable roads, with some project sites situated 15 to 20 kilometers away from the nearest accessible point, posing serious logistical challenges for infrastructure development.
To address these issues, TREDA implemented solar-powered microgrids under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East (PM-DEVINE) scheme, in collaboration with the Tripura state government. The initiative focuses on bridging development gaps in the northeastern states through targeted, high-impact projects.
Under this program, TREDA successfully installed 274 solar microgrids across 247 remote tribal habitations, bringing reliable electricity to areas that had previously faced either irregular power supply or complete darkness after sunset.
Scale, Capacity, and Investment
According to official data, the solar microgrids have individual capacities ranging from 2 kilowatts to 25 kilowatts, with a combined installed capacity of approximately 3 megawatts. The project has directly benefited 9,762 households, marking a significant milestone in Tripura’s renewable energy journey.
The total cost of the project stands at Rs 81.02 crore, reflecting a substantial public investment aimed at long-term social and economic transformation. Each beneficiary household has been provided with four LED lights and a mobile charging socket, ensuring basic domestic energy needs are met efficiently and sustainably.
In addition, solar-powered street lights have been installed throughout village roads and public spaces, significantly improving nighttime visibility, safety, and mobility.
Social and Economic Impact
TREDA officials emphasized that the availability of reliable solar power has brought visible changes to daily life in tribal communities. Students can now study after sunset without relying on kerosene lamps, which were both costly and hazardous. Health centers and frontline healthcare workers have benefited from improved lighting and the ability to operate essential equipment.
Traditional livelihood activities such as bamboo weaving, handicrafts, and handloom work have also seen a positive shift, as artisans can continue their work during evening hours. Small shops and local businesses now remain open longer, contributing to increased household incomes and improved local economies.
Street lighting has played a crucial role in enhancing community safety, particularly for women and elderly residents, while also strengthening social interactions after dark.
A Model for Sustainable Development
The recognition at the SKOCH Awards places TREDA’s initiative among India’s most impactful governance and development projects. Experts believe the model can be replicated in other remote and hilly regions across the country where extending the conventional power grid remains impractical.
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By leveraging clean energy, decentralized infrastructure, and community-centric planning, TREDA has demonstrated how renewable energy can serve as a powerful tool for inclusive growth, climate resilience, and social equity.
The award not only celebrates a technological achievement but also acknowledges a commitment to improving quality of life for thousands of tribal families. As India continues to pursue its renewable energy and net-zero goals, projects like TREDA’s solar microgrids underline the importance of ensuring that development reaches the most marginalized and geographically isolated populations.
