Assam Unveils Integrated Clean Energy Policy 2025 To Add 2,000 MW Of Solar Energy Capacity

Assam has outlined an ambitious plan for clean energy under its Industrial and Commercial Energy Plan (ICEP) 2025. The state is looking to position itself as a leader in the adoption of renewable energy, particularly solar power, to cater to the growing industrial and commercial electricity demand while also reducing dependency on conventional fossil fuel-based power sources.

Assam has a solar potential of around 13.76 GW, but as of now, only 203 MW has been installed and 379 MW is under development. The state’s solar capacity installation per capita is significantly lower than the national average. Assam has a peak power demand of 2,000 MW, which is expected to increase significantly with rapid industrial growth. ICEP 2025 is designed to address this demand sustainably.

The plan targets 2,000 MW of renewable energy generation capacity, mainly solar, to be added by 2025. Of this, 1,500 MW will be through utility-scale solar projects, while 500 MW will be through rooftops and other distributed solar systems. A key component of the plan is to ensure that 50% of the new industrial and commercial demand is met through clean energy sources.

Assam has identified 35,000 acres of non-agricultural land across various districts for renewable energy development. The identified land could potentially support the development of 3,000 MW of solar capacity. Additionally, 1,200 substations have been mapped for distributed solar installations across the state. These efforts are being supported by reforms in policy and regulation, including a new solar policy to be introduced soon.

To attract investment in the clean energy sector, Assam will offer single-window clearance for solar project developers, capital subsidies, land banks, and ease of grid connectivity. The state will also establish a Clean Energy Promotion Cell and Energy Management Cell to monitor and implement the ICEP initiatives. The investment potential in Assam’s clean energy sector is estimated at ₹10,000 crore.

One of the main objectives of ICEP 2025 is to support industrial and commercial users to shift at least 50% of their electricity consumption to clean energy. Assam currently has 1.2 lakh commercial electricity consumers and over 3,500 industrial consumers. There is a large opportunity for rooftop solar installations in this segment. The state aims to develop 200 MW of rooftop solar capacity in the C&I segment alone by 2025.

To improve energy efficiency in industries, the plan aims to retrofit over 5,000 industries with energy-efficient technologies. This could lead to an estimated reduction of 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Other key initiatives include the development of solar parks, floating solar plants, and the promotion of solar pumps in agriculture.

The state is also keen to integrate energy storage solutions and explore green hydrogen production to future-proof its clean energy transition. Assam will work with various stakeholders, including private companies, central government agencies, and multilateral institutions, to raise funding and implement the ICEP roadmap.

With the implementation of ICEP 2025, Assam is expected to become a model for clean energy-driven industrial growth in the northeastern region. The plan emphasizes energy self-reliance, job creation, carbon emission reduction, and long-term energy cost savings for the state’s businesses and consumers.