iFOREST research shows that there is a need for an accelerated expansion of RE capacity.
New research released by the International Forum for Environment, Sustainability and Technology (iFOREST) sheds light on the potential for renewable energy (RE) generation in Assam and the need for policy improvement and institutional capacity building to facilitate large-scale expansion of renewable energy .
The research reports, titled ”Assam Renewable Energy Potential Reassessment: Focus of Solar, Wind and Biomass”, ”Enabling Renewable Energy Growth in Assam”, and ”Impact of ISTS Waiver on Economics of Solar Power Procurement in Assam” ‘, were unveiled during a multi-stakeholder dialogue organized by iFOREST at Guwahati’s Hotel Vivanta on March 27, 2024.
According to the findings, Assam has a significantly higher renewable energy generation potential than previously estimated by central government agencies. This potential is considered sufficient to support a low-carbon pathway to meet the state’s escalating electricity demand. However, the study underlines the need for policy strengthening and institutional capacity building to overcome existing constraints on growth.
Bibhu Bhuyan, Managing Director of Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited (APGCL), highlighted the utility’s commitment to green growth, with plans to expand generation capacity to 2,000 MW by 2030, of which 92% will come from renewable sources.
However, iFOREST research shows that there is a need for an accelerated expansion of RE capacity. Assam’s electricity demand is expected to double by 2030, requiring nearly 3,000 MW of renewable energy capacity by 2026-27 and 5,000 MW by 2031-32 to meet renewable energy obligations (RPOs) and ensure energy security to ensure.
While the official assessment by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) puts Assam’s renewable energy potential at 14.4 GW, iFOREST’s reassessment suggests a significantly higher capacity. To fully realize this potential and stimulate investments in sustainable energy, structural challenges limiting the sector’s growth must be addressed.