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Assam's Solar Capacity Hits 680 MW with New 70 MW Dhubri Project

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated a 70 MW solar power project in Dhubri district, constructed at a cost of over Rs 350 crore. The project is expected to generate 141 million units of electricity annually and reduce carbon emissions by nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes. This development raises Assam's total solar power capacity to 680 MW, marking significant progress in the state's clean energy initiatives. The state government is advancing toward its goal of generating 2,000 MW of renewable power to achieve greater energy self-reliance.

Key Points: Assam CM Inaugurates 70 MW Solar Project in Dhubri

  • 70 MW solar plant in Dhubri
  • Rs 350 crore investment
  • 141 million units annual generation
  • State target of 2,000 MW renewable power
2 min read

Assam CM inaugurates 70 MW solar power project in Dhubri, state's solar capacity rises to 680 MW

Assam's solar capacity reaches 680 MW as CM Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurates a 70 MW project in Dhubri, boosting green energy targets.

"Assam's solar power generation capacity has increased to 680 MW. - Himanta Biswa Sarma"

Dhubri, January 15

Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday inaugurated a 70 MW solar power project at Khudigaon in Bilasipara in Dhubri district, marking a major milestone in the state's clean energy push.

Built at a cost of over Rs 350 crore, the project is expected to generate 141 million units of electricity annually and reduce nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions. The implementing agency will operate and maintain the project for 25 years.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr Sarma said that, as a result of several initiatives undertaken by the state government, Assam's solar power generation capacity has increased to 680 MW.

He said that with more renewable energy projects in the pipeline, the state is steadily moving towards its target of generating 2,000 MW of renewable power and achieving greater energy self-reliance.

The Chief Minister said that a power purchase agreement has already been signed between Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL) for the purchase of electricity generated from the project at a tariff of Rs 3.92 per unit.

The project has been constructed by SJVN Green Energy Limited, a subsidiary of SJVN, a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, on 1,000 bighas of land allotted to APDCL.

Dr Sarma said that the project has been completed in record time and will significantly contribute towards making Assam self-reliant in the green power sector.

He also said that earlier, there was virtually no solar power generation in the state, while with the commissioning of this 70 MW project, Assam's total solar power capacity has now reached 680 MW.

The Chief Minister further informed that another 50 MW solar power project is under construction at Borsola in Sonitpur district and is planned to be inaugurated by April.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Power Minister Prasanta Phukan, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr K K Dwivedi, Managing Director of APDCL Rakesh Kumar, Mission Director of Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission Kuntal Moni Sarma Bordoloi, District Commissioner Dhubri Nabadeep Pathak, District Commissioner Kokrajhar Pankaj Chakravarty, senior officials of SJVN Limited and other distinguished guests.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Rs 350 crore for 70 MW? That's a huge investment. While solar is important, I hope the cost-benefit is clear and this doesn't lead to higher electricity bills for common people. The tariff of Rs 3.92/unit sounds reasonable though.
R
Rohit P
Great step! Reducing 1.15 lakh tonnes of carbon is no joke. Assam has so much potential for solar, especially in the open areas. Hope they involve local communities and create some jobs in operation and maintenance.
S
Sarah B
As someone working in the renewable sector, this is very encouraging. The partnership with a Navratna PSU like SJVN adds credibility. The 25-year O&M contract is standard but crucial for long-term performance. Well done!
V
Vikram M
From virtually zero to 680 MW is impressive progress. But the real test is the 2000 MW target. Need consistent policy and faster clearances for the projects in the pipeline. Also, what about solar panels on government buildings?
N
Nisha Z
Good initiative. However, I hope the 1000 bighas of land used was non-agricultural and the local people were properly compensated. Development should not come at the cost of displacing farmers or harming the local ecology.
D
David E

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