Guwahati: With Assam’s current power generation capacity standing at just 400 MW against a daily demand of 2400 MW, the state faces a significant gap.
In a recent conversation with Business North East (BNE), the Director of Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (APGCL) shed light on the way forward for Assam’s energy sector focusing on self-sufficiency, and sustainable energy solutions. Devajit Mahanta shared a roadmap with ambitious projects to address this deficit and ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for the state.
Devajit Mahanta outlined a clear goal for Assam to become energy self-sufficient by 2026. Currently, the state relies heavily on external sources to meet its power needs, importing nearly 2000 MW of electricity from neighbouring states through long-term, medium-term, and short-term power purchase agreements. These imports come with their challenges, including price fluctuations that impact the cost of power and, consequently, the electricity bills for consumers.
“To cover up this deficit, the Government of Assam, particularly over the last three years, has launched several projects to boost power generation,” Devajit Mahanta explained. Among these initiatives is the 120 MW Lower Kopili Hydro Project located in the Karbi Anglong district, which is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing Assam's power supply. The project is part of a larger plan to increase Assam's capacity and reduce its dependence on external sources.
A key pillar of Assam’s energy strategy is - solar energy development. Devajit Mahanta emphasized that solar power is integral to the state’s long-term energy goals, with several large-scale solar projects currently under construction. The state is working on a 2000 MW solar project to reduce dependency on non-renewable sources. In addition, smaller solar projects, such as the 25 MW solar initiative at Namrup, are already operational.
Highlighting the impact of such solar projects, Devajit Mahanta noted that for every 1 MW of solar capacity, approximately 400 to 500 units of electricity are generated. “This translates into significant benefits for local communities. For instance, the Namrup solar project has the potential to provide electricity for around 20,000 families,” he said. The ultimate target is to make Assam energy self-sufficient by 2026, reducing the state’s dependence on external power sources and stabilizing electricity prices.
In addition to large-scale solar projects, the director mentioned the Central government's 'PM Surya Ghar Yojana' initiative, which aims to install 2200 mini-solar projects across Assam. These small-scale solar installations will help provide electricity to rural and remote villages, benefiting millions of households. With 65 lakh families in Assam, initially, the goal is to cover at least 20 lakh families. He also noted that achieving this target would lead to substantial savings in power costs while improving the availability and accessibility of electricity in remote areas.
“With solar installations, consumers can reduce their electricity bills and generate excess power, which can be sold back to the grid. For example, if a household generates 500 units but only uses 300 units, the remaining 200 units can be sold,” Devajit Mahanta said. Regarding high power bills, he explained how solar energy projects can solve the problem. "This model not only helps reduce costs for consumers but also offers a new business opportunity, especially for the youth of Assam," the director said while speaking to Sweata Das from BNE.
Moreover, the state government has already approved a policy stating that every district will have at least one 'solar village,' where the community will rely entirely on solar power. This initiative, part of the larger solar mission, will serve as a model for other villages, encouraging the spread of solar energy throughout the state. He emphasized that this project is a step towards decentralizing energy generation and making communities more energy resilient.
Another exciting initiative that APGCL is exploring is waste-to-energy conversion. The director shared that the corporation is looking into technologies that can convert municipal and industrial waste into power, further diversifying Assam’s energy sources. This waste-to-energy model will help manage waste efficiently while generating clean, renewable energy.
“Waste-to-energy projects are gaining traction across the globe, and we believe that it has the potential to solve multiple problems such as waste management, energy generation, and environmental concerns. Assam has already started planning pilot projects in certain urban areas, and we are hopeful that this model will grow and become a viable energy source for the state,” Devajit Mahanta said.
ALSO READ: Driving India’s Clean Energy Transition: Bamboo As Biofuel Sparks New Opportunities In NE
By tapping into this dual solution of waste management and energy generation, Assam could reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and tackle the growing problem of waste disposal in urban areas. The director is optimistic about the future as APGCL continues to explore innovative solutions to meet the state's energy demands.
Emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and consumers in achieving the goal of energy self-sufficiency by 2026, the director said, “We have many challenges ahead, but with sustained effort and the right investments in renewable energy, we are confident that Assam will not only meet its power needs but also become a model for sustainable energy in the Northeast.”
Meanwhile, with a clear roadmap, APGCL is set to play a pivotal role in transforming Assam’s energy landscape. Through large-scale solar projects, waste-to-energy initiatives, and a push towards decentralization, Assam is on track to become a self-sufficient, renewable-energy-driven state by 2026, ensuring a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for its residents.
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
