Shillong, Feb 27: Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut, urged North Eastern states, including Meghalaya, to adopt space-based sustainable practices to expand renewable energy in remote areas.

Speaking at the 23rd National Space Science Symposium, hosted by the North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) at Umiam on Thursday, Shukla highlighted that life on the International Space Station relies almost entirely on solar power. “Astronauts reuse critical resources in an extremely limited environment. That discipline shows sustainable practices are attainable and practical for us too,” said Shukla, who became the first Indian to visit the ISS in 2025, during an interaction with students and researchers.

He lauded Meghalaya’s efforts to promote clean energy in rural and hilly regions facing conventional power shortages. The Meghalaya New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) showcased the state’s Chief Minister’s Solar Mission, aimed at achieving last-mile connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.

MNREDA officials outlined graded subsidies: 90% for PMAY beneficiaries and small systems, and 50% for larger household and institutional installations. Lower primary schools across the state are receiving fully subsidized off-grid solar photovoltaic systems.

As part of the event, solar inverters were distributed to 20 lower primary schools to ensure uninterrupted power for classrooms and digital learning. “These systems provide reliable electricity to enhance education,” a senior MNREDA official told PTI.

Ri-Bhoi Additional Deputy Commissioner R Brahma welcomed the student-scientist interactions, noting that ISRO’s achievements inspire youth to link science with practical solutions. Organisers highlighted Meghalaya’s renewable energy transition, with solar power helping reduce grid dependence in remote communities.