ADB, Centre sign $231 mn loan to enhance hydropower in Assam

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Indian government have signed a $231 million loan to augment electricity generation in Assam through construction of a 120 MW hydroelectric power plant. This is the third tranche loan for the ongoing Assam Power Sector Investment Programme that was approved by the ADB Board in July 2014. The programme, including its two previous tranches, focuses on enhancing capacity and efficiency of the energy generation and distribution systems in Assam to improve electricity service to end users. The proposed hydroelectric project is a run-of-the-river project over Kopili river which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 360,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually.