Kohima, January 7, 2026 – In a move to strengthen evidence-based energy planning, the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) and WRI India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the NGISRSC headquarters in Kohima.
The partnership will leverage the Energy Access Explorer (EAE), an open-source interactive geospatial platform, to help identify and prioritise areas for sustainable energy interventions. By integrating energy demand, infrastructure, socio-economic indicators, and climate data, EAE enables decision-makers to target regions where clean energy solutions can have the greatest impact. Recognised as the first digital public good for climate-friendly energy transitions, the platform supports inclusive, climate-resilient energy planning.
Speaking at the event, Er. Mhathung Kithan, Senior Project Director of NGISRSC, described the MoU as a milestone in the ongoing collaboration with WRI India, reinforcing transparency, shared responsibility, and long-term sustainable development across the state.
Bharath Jairaj, Executive Director of the Energy Program at WRI India, highlighted EAE’s potential to translate policy into actionable plans. He noted that the platform can help expand energy access and support decarbonisation of critical public infrastructure, particularly in the health and education sectors, through decentralised renewable energy systems. This approach aligns with Nagaland’s development priorities and India’s national goals of achieving 50% renewable energy by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2070.
Originally launched in Nagaland in July 2023, the Energy Access Explorer has since been adapted for other states, including Assam, Jharkhand, and Mizoram. Designed for planners, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and institutions, it is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping data-driven, equitable, and sustainable energy solutions across the region.
