The 105th SKOCH Awards ceremony held in the national capital witnessed a moment of pride for India’s renewable energy mission as the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) was conferred the Silver Medal for 2025 for its outstanding contribution to national welfare through the installation of solar-powered microgrid projects in remote tribal regions. 

The prestigious award was presented by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman and Managing Director of SKOCH Group, New Delhi.

The award recognises TREDA’s transformative work in some of the most inaccessible and hilly tribal areas of India’s North Eastern region, where conventional electricity infrastructure is either economically unviable or technologically impractical. For decades, these regions have struggled with irregular or non-existent power supply, severely affecting education, healthcare, livelihoods and overall quality of life.

Under the PM-DEVINE scheme of the Central Government, implemented in partnership with the State Government, electricity has now reached 274 remote tribal villages through the installation of solar microgrids ranging from 2 kW to 25 kW capacity. In total, 274 microgrids with a combined capacity of 3 MW have been commissioned, benefiting 9,762 households across 247 remote tribal habitations. The project has been completed at a total expenditure of Rs 81.02 crore.

beneficiary household has been provided with four LED lights and one mobile charging socket, while solar-powered streetlights now illuminate village roads and crowded public spaces.

Field inspections reveal the scale of the challenge overcome by the project. Many settlements are located 15 to 20 kilometres from the nearest accessible point, making grid extension nearly impossible. Even in areas with partial grid access, frequent power cuts—especially during monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons—have long disrupted daily life. Extended outages during heavy rains often left villages in complete darkness, hampering education, healthcare delivery and economic activity.

The impact of the solar microgrids has been profound and visible. Homes that once relied on dim and hazardous kerosene lamps are now brightly lit with clean solar energy. Children can study after sunset, leading to improved educational outcomes. Access to mobile charging and television has connected villagers to information, social media and government services, reducing their sense of isolation.

Traditional occupations such as bamboo weaving and handloom work now continue well into the evening hours, enhancing productivity and income. Small shops and local businesses remain open after dark, strengthening the village economy. Solar-powered street lighting has also made night-time movement safer, bringing new vibrancy to public life.