In a significant stride towards bolstering green energy in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a 25-MW solar power generation project. The ceremony took place at the Namrup Thermal Power Station premises in Dibrugarh district. This initiative represents a collaborative venture between the Assam Power Generation Corporation and Oil India Limited, covering an expansive 108 acres with an estimated project cost of Rs. 115 crore.
Project Overview
Approved by the State Cabinet on August 19, 2022, the solar power project is anticipated to produce 50 million units of electricity annually. The construction is set to conclude by July 2025. During the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Chief Minister Sarma highlighted the critical need for such projects to meet the state’s increasing power demands.
Rising Energy Needs
Since Sarma took office in 2021, Assam’s peak-hour electricity demand has surged from 1,800 MW to 2,500 MW, driven by industrial growth and the electrification of previously underserved villages. The state’s current power production stands at 419 MW, necessitating the purchase of approximately 2,100 MW daily. The Namrup solar power project aims to enhance the state’s generation capacity, reducing its reliance on external power sources.
Current and Future Solar Projects
Currently, Assam operates seven solar power projects, contributing 175 MW of daily power generation. Sarma announced that additional projects are underway in Sonitpur district’s Barchalla and Dhubri district’s Khudigaon. Moreover, the construction of a significant 1,000-MW capacity solar power plant in Karbi Anglong will commence soon. The recently operational 120-MW Lower Kapili Hydropower project further boosts the state’s energy portfolio. The Chief Minister expressed optimism that by 2030, Assam will produce approximately 3,000 MW of solar-generated electricity.
Government Initiatives and Support
Highlighting the Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Sarma urged eligible households to adopt the program to lower their electricity costs. This initiative aligns with the state’s broader strategy to promote sustainable energy practices and reduce carbon footprints.
Event Attendance
The foundation stone-laying event witnessed the presence of key figures, including Assam Cabinet Ministers Bimal Bora and Sanjoy Kishan, former Union Minister Rameswar Teli, and several Members of the Assam Legislative Assembly such as Prashanta Phukan, Taranga Gogoi, Terash Gowalla, Binod Hazarika, and Chakradhar Gogoi. Their attendance underscored the project’s significance and the collective commitment to advancing Assam’s renewable energy capabilities.
Conclusion
The 25-MW solar power project at Namrup marks a pivotal development in Assam’s renewable energy journey. By increasing the state’s power generation capacity, it not only addresses the growing energy demand but also aligns with global efforts to promote green and sustainable energy solutions. As Assam continues to expand its solar and hydropower initiatives, it sets a benchmark for other states aiming to transition towards a more sustainable future.
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