In a significant move towards sustainable development, the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) has entered into a strategic partnership with World Resources Institute (WRI) India. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to bolster planning for reliable and clean energy across the state.
A Digital Tool for Green Energy Transition
The core of this partnership is the adoption of the Energy Access Explorer (EAE), an open-source, interactive geospatial platform. The MoU for this initiative was officially signed on January 7 at the NGISRSC office located in Kohima. Described as the first digital public good focused on climate-friendly energy transitions, the EAE platform will empower the state to pinpoint high-priority locations for clean energy interventions.
Strengthening Collaborative Impact and Transparency
Mhathung Kithan, Senior Project Director of NGISRSC, highlighted the importance of this agreement. He stated that this MoU represents the next phase in the ongoing partnership between NGISRSC and WRI India. "This collaborative model strengthens transparency, shared responsibility and impact in inclusive planning for the sustainable development of Nagaland," Kithan remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, Bharath Jairaj, Executive Director of the Energy Programme at WRI India, emphasized the platform's practical utility. He noted that the EAE offers a powerful mechanism to translate intent into informed, actionable strategies. Jairaj explained that beyond simply expanding energy access, the platform can guide the decarbonization of essential public infrastructure.
Aligning with National and State Goals
"Through the strategic deployment of decentralised renewable energy systems, particularly in sectors like health and education, EAE provides a clear pathway," Jairaj added. He further connected the initiative to larger national objectives, stating, "In doing so, it supports Nagaland's development priorities while contributing to India's broader goals of meeting half its energy needs from renewables by 2030 and achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070."
The EAE platform is not new to the region; it was initially launched in Nagaland in July 2023. It has also been developed for other Indian states including Assam, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. The tool is designed for use by a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Government planners and bodies
- Energy entrepreneurs
- Various institutions involved in development work
This partnership marks a concrete step towards data-driven governance in the energy sector, leveraging cutting-edge geospatial technology to ensure Nagaland's growth is both inclusive and environmentally sustainable.
