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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $434.25 million to enhance renewable energy capacity and bolster energy security in Assam, India. The Assam Solar Project will establish a 500 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in the Karbi Anglong district. Additionally, the project will implement a battery energy storage system through a partnership between the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. Tripura Power Company Ltd., ensuring grid stability and addressing peak power demands.
To encourage private sector investment in renewable energy, ADB will enhance the state’s public-private partnership (PPP) framework and develop its capacity for managing renewable energy PPP projects. The initiative will also include establishing a PPP agreement for an additional 250 MW solar PV facility in the Karbi Anglong district.
Furthermore, the project aims to improve electricity distribution around the solar PV facility and in nearby rural areas by upgrading overhead power lines to aerial covered conductor cables and installing new distribution transformers.
In addition, ADB will provide a $1 million technical assistance grant from its Clean Energy Fund to support project implementation, raise awareness, and build the capacity of APDCL and local communities.“Addressing the renewable energy capacity shortage in Assam is crucial to meet growing demand and reduce dependency on fossil fuels,” said ADB Principal Energy Specialist Jiwan Acharya. “This project will help Assam develop a renewable energy road map and increase its solar energy capacity to achieve its target of 3,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030.” |
