Guwahati, Feb 7: The Assam government is set to introduce floating solar power plants across multiple wetlands in the state, aiming to enhance electricity generation capacity.
Talking to media persons, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “The state government is trying to make Assam a green energy hub. Assam currently requires 2,200 MW of power to provide electricity to all households across the state.”
A solar policy was formulated in Assam in 2017 with a target of generating 1,000 MW of electricity within the next three years.
The first floating solar power plant of 10.50 KW capacity in Northeast India was successfully installed in Thanagarha village in Assam’s Morigaon district.
Another significant milestone includes the establishment of the region’s largest solar power plant in Amguri town, Sivsagar district, capable of generating a minimum of 70 MW of electricity.
In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the state government aims to promote clean, accessible, and affordable solar energy.
The government envisions fostering an environment conducive to private sector, state, and individual investment in solar energy. Plans include the installation of rooftop solar power plants in various districts, a move expected to decrease the reliance on fossil fuels in the years ahead.
The solar policy emphasises grid-connected solar photovoltaic (SPV) rooftop power plants in residential, community, institutional, industrial, and commercial establishments.