Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Monday laid the foundation stone for the Tuirini hydroelectric power project, with an estimated cost of Rs 6.77 billion, marking a key step towards the state’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in electricity generation. The Tuirini project will have an installed capacity of 24 megawatts and is being implemented as an externally aided project with funding support from the New Development Bank through a loan arrangement. Officials said 80 per cent of the project cost will be borne by the Centre, while the remaining 20 per cent will be contributed by the Mizoram government. Addressing the gathering, the chief minister described the project as a landmark initiative aligned with the state government’s commitment to building a self-reliant power sector. He said the Tuirini hydroelectric project forms an important part of Mizoram’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on external power supplies and strengthen local generation capacity. Lalduhoma noted that Mizoram has already commissioned two state-owned solar power projects at Sumsui in Aizawl district, with capacities of 10 MW and 5 MW respectively. He added that several more renewable energy initiatives are in the pipeline, including additional hydroelectric schemes and solar installations. Officials said the detailed project report for the 132 MW Tuirial hydroelectric project in Saitual district, near the Manipur border, has been completed, while the DPR for the Tlawng hydro project near Aizawl is expected to be finalised by September this year. To attract private investment, the state government has issued expressions of interest for setting up solar power plants at five locations across Mizoram. So far, seven rooftop solar installations with a combined capacity of about 2.62 MW have been completed. The chief minister also highlighted innovative plans such as a pumped storage project proposed on the Tuchiang River near the Vankal solar park in Khawzawl district. The project is designed to pump water to higher elevations during periods of low demand and generate power during peak demand, or alternatively sell electricity through power trading. Lalduhoma said that while Mizoram is not yet fully self-reliant in power generation, it often has surplus electricity available for trading during daytime or late-night hours. Power trading has emerged as an additional revenue stream for the state, with earnings of Rs 1.72 billion and a net profit of Rs 872.1 million. The overall financial gain from timely bill payments and power trading stood at Rs 937.9 million. Officials added that the Tuirini hydroelectric project is targeted for completion within five years.