Reportedly, Assam is looking to augment its solar power generation capacity by 2,000 MW at an investment of around Rs 100 billion within the next three-four years.
This ambitious plan will be backed by two projects – one by forming a joint venture (JV) with NLC India Limited and another by taking a loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). For the first project, Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) has joined hands with NLC India to produce 1,000 MW solar power at an investment of Rs 55 billion. The project will be carried out in two-three pockets of the state and will start generating power by one-and-half years. The project will generate 1,500 million units (MUs) and the company’s target is to produce 35,000 MUs in 25 years. For the second project, Assam will witness investment of another Rs 40 billion in solar plants to produce additional 1,000 MW power. This is a central government initiative and Assam has got in-principle approval of the ADB loan. This will be implemented fully by APDCL.