New Delhi: The 105th SKOCH Awards ceremony held in the national capital marked a proud milestone for India’s renewable energy mission as the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) was honoured with the Silver Medal for 2025. The award recognises TREDA’s outstanding contribution to national welfare through the successful implementation of solar-powered microgrid projects in some of the most remote and tribal regions of the North Eastern states.
The prestigious award was presented by Sameer Kochhar, Chairman and Managing Director of the SKOCH Group, New Delhi. It acknowledges TREDA’s transformative efforts in hilly and inaccessible tribal areas where conventional grid-based electricity infrastructure is either economically unviable or technologically impractical. For decades, these regions have endured irregular or non-existent power supply, adversely affecting education, healthcare, livelihoods and overall quality of life.
Under the PM-DEVINE scheme of the Central Government, implemented in collaboration with the State Government, TREDA has successfully electrified 274 remote tribal villages through the installation of solar microgrids ranging from 2 kW to 25 kW capacity. In total, 274 solar microgrids with a combined installed capacity of 3 MW have been commissioned at a total cost of Rs 81.02 crore. The initiative has directly benefited 9,762 households across 247 remote tribal habitations.
Each beneficiary household has been provided with four LED lights and one mobile charging point, while solar-powered streetlights now illuminate village roads and public spaces. Field assessments highlight the magnitude of the challenge overcome, as many villages are located 15 to 20 kilometres from the nearest motorable point, making grid extension nearly impossible.
The impact of the project has been transformative. Solar lighting has replaced hazardous kerosene lamps, enabling children to study after sunset and improving educational outcomes. Traditional livelihoods such as bamboo weaving and handloom work now continue into the evening, boosting productivity and income. Enhanced lighting and reliable power have also strengthened local businesses, improved safety, and brought renewed vibrancy to community life in these once-darkened villages.
