Assam to invest Rs 100 billion to generate 2,000 MW solar power

Assam Power Distribution Company (APDCL) has signed an MoU with NCL India for the construction of a 1000 MW renewable power plant in the state. With this, Assam is looking to increase its capacity for solar energy output. The MoU was signed at Guwhati in the presence of the chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the union minister for coal and mines, Pralkhad Joshi, by the managing director of APDCL, Rakesh Kumar, and the director of planning and projects for NLC India Limited, K Mohan Reddy. The MoU stipulates that the 1,000 MW solar power plant that will be built in Assam would be a joint venture project on a 49.51 ratio between APDCL and NLCIL to help meet the state's rising power needs. Sarma described the day as significant for the state in terms of power production. According to him, Assam's need for power is growing exponentially, and thus the state should be able to create more of it to meet its own needs while also remaining environmentally friendly. Assam would be able to satisfy its own needs from the solar power plant once it is operational, according to him, and it will also assist the state in supporting Prime Minister Modi's initiative to tackle climate change by creating more renewable energy. He added that the state government is prepared to form a new joint venture with NLCIL for a second 1000 MW green power project, in addition to the current 1000 MW solar power plant. He added that the state administration has a clear plan to lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and increase the production of green energy in the coming years. According to him, Assam should endeavor to build a long-term vision to plan the growth and development of the state. Sarma also acknowledged Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Coal and Mines, for his assistance and leadership in enabling NLCIL to pursue the joint venture in electricity generation with the State government. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for taking the initiative to launch the North Eastern coalfields of Coal India in Margherita.See also: Assam deployed 25-mw solar power project in Udalguri districtAssam’s first solar power plant inaugurated at Udalguri