Assam has added 70 MW to its renewable energy capacity with the commissioning of a solar power project at Bilasipara in Dhubri district, a development that will directly strengthen electricity availability for Guwahati through the state power grid.
Built at a cost of over ₹350 crore, the project is expected to generate around 141 million units of electricity annually, helping reduce nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions every year. State officials said the power generated will feed into Assam’s common grid, which supplies Guwahati and other major urban centres.
Assam has commissioned a 70 MW solar power project in Dhubri district at a cost of over ₹350 crore, increasing the state’s total solar capacity to 680 MW. The power generated will feed into the state grid, supporting Guwahati’s electricity demand and reducing carbon emissions by nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes annually.
What the project means for Guwahati
While the solar park is located in Dhubri, energy officials said its impact will be felt strongly in Guwahati, which remains Assam’s largest electricity consumer due to rapid urban growth, commercial expansion, and rising residential demand.
The additional clean power is expected to help stabilise supply during peak hours in Guwahati, particularly in summer months when air-conditioning use puts pressure on the grid. Officials also see the project as part of a longer-term effort to make the city’s power mix greener and more resilient.
Key details of the Dhubri solar project
- Capacity: 70 MW
- Project cost: Over ₹350 crore
- Annual generation: Around 141 million units
- Emission reduction: Nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes of carbon annually
- Land used: About 1,000 bighas
- Operation period: 25 years
The project has been developed by SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a subsidiary of SJVN, a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Power. SGEL will operate and maintain the facility for 25 years.
Power purchase and tariff
A power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed between the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and SGEL for the procurement of electricity at a tariff of ₹3.92 per unit.
Energy officials said the tariff is competitive and will help APDCL manage costs while increasing the share of renewable energy in the state’s power basket. For consumers in Guwahati, this could contribute to long-term supply stability as renewable capacity expands.
Assam’s growing solar footprint
With the commissioning of the Dhubri project, Assam’s total installed solar power capacity has risen to 680 MW. State authorities said this is a significant step toward the government’s long-term goal of achieving 2,000 MW of renewable energy capacity.
Another 50 MW solar power project at Borsola in Sonitpur district is currently under construction and is scheduled to be commissioned by April, which will further strengthen the grid supplying Guwahati and Upper Assam.
Why this matters for the city
Guwahati’s electricity demand has grown steadily due to infrastructure projects, smart city initiatives, commercial hubs, and expanding residential areas. Officials say increasing renewable generation within the state reduces dependence on conventional power sources and external supply, making the city less vulnerable to shortages.
Urban planners also see clean energy expansion as critical to lowering Guwahati’s overall carbon footprint, especially as traffic, construction, and population density increase.
What happens next
The Assam government has indicated that more renewable projects are in the pipeline, including additional solar installations and other clean energy initiatives. As these projects come online, Guwahati is expected to remain a primary beneficiary due to its central role in the state’s power distribution network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How does the Dhubri solar project benefit Guwahati?
The electricity generated feeds into Assam’s state grid, which supplies Guwahati, helping meet rising urban demand and improve power stability using clean energy.
Q2. What is Assam’s target for renewable energy capacity?
Assam is working toward a long-term target of 2,000 MW of renewable energy capacity, with multiple solar projects currently planned or under construction.