Guwahati: Assam is steadily advancing toward a clean energy future, with a bold target of generating 3,500 MW of solar power by 2030, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday. The statement came during the inauguration of a 70 MW solar power plant at Khudigaon in Dhubri district’s Bilasipara area, marking a significant milestone in the state’s renewable energy push.

The Khudigaon solar project has been jointly developed by SJVN Green Energy Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Navratna CPSE SJVN Ltd, and the Assam Power Development Corporation Ltd. Built at a cost of over ₹350 crore, the plant is expected to generate 141 million units of electricity annually while reducing nearly 1.15 lakh tonnes of carbon emissions. The inauguration underscores Assam’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in power generation and supporting sustainable development across the state.

“Today, our solar capacity has reached 680 MW, and by April we will touch 750 MW, steadily advancing towards a sustainable, clean energy future,” Sarma said in a post on X following the inauguration. He emphasized that the state government’s goal is to achieve 3,500 MW of solar energy by 2030, reflecting a clear roadmap toward renewable energy adoption.

The chief minister highlighted the state’s progress over recent years, noting that Assam once had no solar power projects. “At one point of time, we had no solar power projects. Today, we are generating 680 MW of solar power. Another 50 MW project being implemented by SJVN at Borsolla in Sonitpur district will be completed by April, and we will reach 730 MW then,” Sarma said.

Focus on Land Management and Local Development

A key aspect of Assam’s renewable energy strategy, Sarma noted, is the utilization of government land cleared of encroachments. “Our aim is to clear government land of encroachments and implement projects in those lands. This will generate employment and uplift the local economy,” he said, stressing that the state is committed to ensuring that cleared lands are actively used for development projects rather than being left vacant and vulnerable to re-encroachment.

The chief minister also mentioned that eviction drives would be carried out in tandem with the planning of new projects. “If we leave the evicted land without any activity, there is a chance that encroachment will happen again. So, we will clear government land as and when projects come,” Sarma explained.

Boosting Renewable Energy Capacity

The Khudigaon solar plant is part of a wider effort to expand Assam’s renewable energy portfolio. By strategically developing solar projects on cleared government land, the state is not only increasing energy generation capacity but also creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic growth in rural areas. The initiative reflects Assam’s commitment to clean energy, sustainable development, and environmental responsibility.

Assam’s current solar capacity of 680 MW, with an additional 50 MW expected by April, demonstrates a rapid scaling of solar infrastructure. By steadily increasing capacity and implementing robust land management strategies, the state is positioning itself to meet its 2030 target of 3,500 MW, contributing to India’s broader national objectives of renewable energy expansion and carbon emission reduction.

Sarma’s focus on solar power highlights Assam’s proactive approach to tackling energy demands, mitigating climate change, and supporting the local economy through green development initiatives. The state’s efforts are expected to serve as a model for renewable energy adoption in other regions, combining infrastructure development with strategic land use and economic upliftment.

With projects like Khudigaon and upcoming initiatives at Borsolla and other sites, Assam is steadily transforming its energy landscape, moving toward a cleaner, more sustainable, and self-reliant future.