Assam's Ambitious Power Expansion Plans Focus on Renewable Energy
Power Generation Initiatives in Assam
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Guwahati, Sept 30: In the coming years, Assam is set to enhance its power generation capacity by over 8,000 MW, with a significant emphasis on renewable energy sources.
According to official sources, out of the total 8,000 MW, 3,200 MW will be derived from traditional energy sources, while the remaining capacity will come from renewable sources.
A Supercritical Thermal Power Plant with a capacity of 3,200 MW is currently being constructed in Chapar, Dhubri district, and is expected to be operational in phases starting December 2030. Necessary approvals for several projects aimed at generating 4,900 MW in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts have been secured, and suitable sites have been identified.
Additionally, various power projects are at different stages of development. Among them is a 70 MW solar photovoltaic project located in Khudigaon Pt-II, Bilasipara, Dhubri district, which has already been commissioned. This year, a 50 MW solar power project is underway in Sitalmari Village, Dhekiajuli.
Furthermore, a joint venture between APDCL and NLC India Renewables Ltd is being established to develop 1,000 MW of solar power projects, with land identification currently in progress. Another joint venture with SJVN Green Energy Ltd aims to develop an additional 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects.
As of now, Assam has installed a total solar capacity of 1,300 MW, producing approximately 1,872 million units annually. This figure is an estimate, as the actual output from individual rooftop solar installations is not fully recorded; only the energy exported to the grid is monitored by APDCL.
Approximately 185,581 households have installed rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar initiative, contributing to a total capacity of 612.0 MW.
When asked about the potential for wind energy in Assam, sources indicated that the state's wind power capacity is relatively low compared to regions like Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan.
Previously, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) set up wind monitoring masts at a height of around 80 meters across various locations in Assam. The assessment revealed that most areas do not possess significant potential for large-scale wind energy development.
However, initial evaluations suggest that certain elevated terrains and valleys may experience higher wind speeds at greater heights, particularly around 120 meters. These areas may warrant further investigation through detailed assessments using advanced wind monitoring technologies, especially in suitable valleys and ridgelines. While large-scale wind energy projects may not be feasible across Assam, targeted exploration of wind potential at higher elevations in identified areas could be pursued for pilot or commercial projects.