Solar Power in Assam

The Assam Government has agreed to provide 800 bigha of land to set up a solar power facility, which is expected to generate 40 MW of solar power. This decision comes in accordance with the solar drive in India. The Prime Minister has promoted the usage of solar and wind power in our country profusely and has set ambitious targets for India. Assam has mostly been in news in India for the violence in the state. It will be nice for the state to set up a new solar plant, which will help in the development of the state. It will provide power and employment and thus tread on the path of development.

However, it looks like there has been some problem for the state to install its long awaited hydro-electric project. Already Rs 6,000 crore has been spent for this 2000 MW plant, but the issue hasn’t been resolved. However with the pro-solar government at the center, I hope the solar plant should go smoothly. It remains to be seen whether Assam will emerge as one of the states helping India achieve its solar target, or remain a laggard. It is important for developing economies like India to focus more on the green renewable energy sources more, for its power requirements.

The US Government also supports India in its mission to be a Solar power country, with the US President promising funds to promote solar in India. US is also exploring projects for a $1 billion clean energy financing, for companies willing to ship equipment to India. The Asia Pacific market is expected to be worth $37.8 billion by 2020; wherein China, Japan and India will be the principal countries promoting solar energy. With the solar energy reaching grid parity in different parts of the world, it is getting more affordable by the day. It will not only reduce the country’s dependence on the dirty coal, but also make the world more greener and cleaner, which is also the need of the hour.

“Protection of environment is an article of faith for our Prime Minister Narendra Modi. So a lot of importance is being given to renewable energy. Beside thermal and hydro-power, renewable energy sector will have a major contribution in achieving the target of power for all,” Goyal said.

TOI