Nagaland and WRI India Unite to Enhance Clean Energy Access

The Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) has taken a significant step towards improving clean energy access by partnering with WRI India. On January 7, 2026, at the NGISRSC headquarters in Kohima, the two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at enhancing the state’s capacity for sustainable energy planning. This collaboration focuses on deploying the Energy Access Explorer (EAE), an open-source geospatial platform designed to guide evidence-based energy interventions.

This partnership will enable NGISRSC and WRI India to jointly implement the Energy Access Explorer, ensuring inclusive and climate-resilient energy planning across Nagaland. The EAE integrates energy demand, infrastructure data, socio-economic indicators, and climate information, allowing decision-makers to identify areas where clean energy solutions can have the greatest impact. Recognized as the first digital public good dedicated to promoting climate-friendly energy transitions, the EAE represents a significant tool for effective planning.

Er. Mhathung Kithan, Senior Project Director of NGISRSC, emphasized that this MoU marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing partnership with WRI India. He stated that the collaborative framework seeks to reinforce transparency and shared responsibility while focusing on long-term impacts. This initiative aims to advance inclusive and sustainable development planning throughout the state.

Bharath Jairaj, Executive Director of the Energy Program at WRI India, underscored the transformative potential of the Energy Access Explorer. He noted that the platform not only supports the expansion of energy access but also provides a strategic pathway for decarbonising essential public infrastructure, particularly in health and education sectors. This approach aligns with Nagaland’s development priorities and contributes to India’s national goals of sourcing 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.

The Energy Access Explorer was initially launched in Nagaland in July 2023 and has since been adapted for other Indian states, including Assam, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. Designed for use by planners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and institutions, the platform is anticipated to play a crucial role in shaping equitable and sustainable energy solutions across the region.

As clean energy becomes increasingly vital, this partnership between NGISRSC and WRI India illustrates a commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Nagaland, ensuring that energy planning is informed by robust data and aligned with both local and national aspirations.