Assam Aims for 11.7 GW Renewable Energy Capacity by 2030

Commitment to Renewable Energy

Guwahati, Nov 3: The Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, has reiterated the state's dedication to renewable energy, setting an ambitious goal of achieving 11.7 GW of renewable energy capacity by the year 2030. This announcement was made during the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 held in New Delhi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present.

Sarma expressed his honor in attending the summit alongside Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing the importance of clean energy in India's growth narrative. He stated, 'At the CEO Roundtable, I reaffirmed Assam's commitment to this transition. Under our Integrated Clean Energy Policy, we are targeting 11.7 GW of renewable energy by 2030, and I invited industry leaders to partner with us in building a greener, stronger Viksit Bharat.'

The state plans to enhance its power capacity by over 8,000 MW in the upcoming years, with a considerable portion expected to derive from non-conventional energy sources. Official sources indicated that approximately 3,200 MW of this capacity will come from traditional sources, while the rest will be generated through renewable means.

A supercritical thermal power plant with a capacity of 3,200 MW is currently under construction in Chapar, Dhubri district, with plans for phased commissioning starting in December 2030.

Additionally, necessary clearances have been obtained for several power projects totaling 4,900 MW in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts, with locations already identified. Other power projects are at various stages of development and commissioning.

Among the renewable initiatives, a 70 MW AC grid-connected solar photovoltaic project has been successfully commissioned in Khudigaon Pt-II village, Dhubri district, under the build-own-operate model. Another 50 MW AC grid-connected solar PV project is underway in No. 3 Sitalmari village, Dhekiajuli.

Furthermore, a joint venture between Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and NLC India Renewables Ltd is in the process of developing 1,000 MW of solar power projects, with land identification currently ongoing. Another joint venture with SJVN Green Energy Ltd aims to establish an additional 1,000 MW of renewable power projects, with land identification also in progress.

This push for renewable energy in Assam aligns with India's broader strategy to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources and enhance energy security.

During the inaugural session of the Bharat Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that India's economic growth remains robust despite challenges in West Asia and emphasized the need to expand renewable energy capacity.

He noted that India's non-fossil fuel energy capacity has surpassed 300 GW and expressed confidence in achieving the target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. Modi mentioned that around 500 GW of renewable energy capacity needs to be added in the next decade, describing this target as both challenging and essential.

The Prime Minister also pointed out the potential for investments exceeding Rs 20 lakh crore in the renewable sector by the end of the decade, urging investors to leverage India's political and policy stability. He called for the broader adoption of solar energy in government buildings, educational institutions, hospitals, and street lighting.

Moreover, Modi stressed the importance of developing indigenous energy storage solutions and expanding battery storage capacity, while also highlighting progress under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which aims for an annual production capacity of 50 lakh tonnes of green hydrogen.