Guwahati: The Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) and Mini Ratna category PSU, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam’s subsidiary, SJVN Green Energy, on Monday signed an agreement to form a joint venture to set up 1,000MW floating solar projects worth Rs 6,000 crore in the state.
Describing it as a red-letter day for the state, chief minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the development-centric approach of this government has been able to create an investment-friendly ecosystem here.
“In view of the transition of the state’s requirement from fossil fuel to green fuel, the state cabinet has approved the Assam Renewable Energy Policy 2022 to boost the development of renewable energy.
As part of the MoU, a floating solar power project would be developed. Once commissioned, the project will reduce the state’s dependence on fossil fuel,” he said.
He further said this will augment the generation of green power and the surplus will help Assam supply renewable energy to other states thereby reducing carbon emission.
SJVN chairman & managing director Nand Lal Sharma, issued a statement, saying that the project will generate 2,192 million units in the first year after commissioning, and around 50,425 million units cumulative energy will be generated over 25 years.
An investment of Rs 6,000 crore will be made by SJVN in the state for developing the project. During construction and operation stages, around 4,000 persons will get direct and indirect employment.
The statement said the project will reduce carbon emissions to the tune of 1,07,383 tonnes in the first year and 24,70,732 tonnes during the complete life span will be achieved from this project.
“SJVN is keen to be the partner in the progress of Assam and development of green energy of state. This project will bring in multiple avenues of employment, boost to local businesses, green power generation, carbon emission reduction and overall socio- economic development in Assam,” read the statement issued by Sharma.