Assam: Self-sufficiency in power seems remote

 STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: An immediate solution for power-starved Assam seems remote with the very slow progress of the ongoing projects of the APGCL (Assam Power Generation Corporation Ltd.). The APGCL has taken up three projects, and eight more are in the pipeline.

The corporation expects power generation from the ADB-funded 120-MW Lower Kopili Hydroelectric Project (HEP) by June 2024. The ADB is funding the project under its Assam Power Sector Investment Programme. The works of all four major packages of the projects have been awarded.

For the 24-MW Karbi-Langpi Middle-II Hydro Power Project (HEP), APGCL got the land on January 30 this year, and all other works of the project are in their preliminary stages.

On the 25-MW Namrup Solar Project, a joint venture between APGCL and OIL, the AERC (Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission) has just disposed of the row over the rate of power tariff between APDCL and APGCL and asked them to prepare the new DPR by taking a tariff of Rs 3.90 per unit. Since the project is at the DPR stage, immediate success seems remote.

The APGCL has eight projects in the pipeline. They are (i) the Rs 1,394-crore 100-MW Namrup Replacement Power Project Phase-II, (ii) the 100-MW Rs 6,698-crore Namrup Gas Engine Project, (iii) the 70-MW Sonbeel Floating Solar Project, (iv) the 22.5-MW Karbi Langpi Middle-I Hydro Power Project, (v) the 20-MW Majuli Solar Project, (vi) the 40-MW Golaghat Ground Mounted and Floating Solar Project, (vii) the 55-MW Kulsi Hydro Project, and (viii) the 120-KW Rooptop Solar Project for Auxiliary Loss Reduction in Karbi-Langpi Hydro Electric Project (HEP) Hydrokinetic Energy Project.

The APGCL has four projects with a cumulative generation capacity of 420 MW but generating only 265 MW in off-peak hours and 281 MW at peak hours. These four projects are LTPS and LRPP, NTPS and NRPP, KLHEP, and MSHEP.

The daily power demand in the state crossed 2,500 MW. With its meagre domestic generation of around 265-281 MW, the APDCL has to procure power from NEEPCO and the market. As of late, the state government has requested the Union Power Minister to ensure 300 MW of power for the state.

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