The Government of Assam has launched the Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025, with a bold vision to install 3500 MW of solar power capacity by 2030. Notified under Section 108 of the Electricity Act, 2003, the policy aims to attract investment, ensure clean and affordable energy, and position Assam as a regional energy hub.
🔍 Policy Highlights
✅ Scope and Duration
- Effective: From the date of notification (June 5, 2025)
- Valid till: March 31, 2030
- Applicability: Grid-connected ground/floating solar, rooftop solar, standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
🎯 Key Objectives
- Install 3500 MW solar capacity by 2030
- Ensure reliable, clean and affordable power
- Reduce fossil fuel dependency
- Promote grid stability and renewable integration
- Attract public and private sector investment
🛠️ Implementation & Eligibility
- Nodal Agency: Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd. (APDCL)
- Project Allocation:
- CPSUs/State PSUs: On nomination basis
- Private developers: On first-come, first-serve basis
- Through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB)
⚡ Categories of Solar Projects Covered
1. Utility-Scale Solar Plants
- Ground-mounted and floating solar plants
- With or without battery storage
- Power to be procured by APDCL based on TBCB
2. Captive Solar Projects
- Installed within consumer premises
- Surplus power can be sold to APDCL or 3rd party via open access
- Capacity limit: Up to 100% of consumer’s contract demand
3. Open Access Solar Projects
- For 3rd party sale within/outside Assam
- Charges applicable as per AERC 2024 regulations
4. Rooftop Solar Systems (RTS)
- Within consumer premises, including residential, tea, rubber, and coffee estates
- Net metering for up to 10 kW; net billing for above
5. Agriculture Sector Solar Plants
- On barren or agricultural land
- Raised panel structure required for agricultural land
- Power procurement via TBCB
6. Standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Promoted for grid services and ancillary services
- Allowed models: Cost Plus, Competitive Bidding, Storage-as-a-Service (SaaS)
🏞️ Land & Infrastructure Support
- Govt. & APDCL land, tea estate land, and water bodies can be allotted
- Tea estates: Max 5% of landholding
- Lease Period: 25 years, extendable
- Bank Guarantee:
- ≤5 MW: ₹50 lakh
- 5–10 MW: ₹1 crore
- 10–50 MW: ₹2 crore
- 50 MW: ₹5 crore
🎁 Government Incentives
1. Transmission & Distribution Incentives
- Transmission charges: Waived up to 25%
- Wheeling charges: Waived up to 25%
- Electricity Duty: Waived up to 75%
- Cross Subsidy Surcharge: Waived up to 50%
(All for 5 years)
2. Industrial Incentives
- Fiscal and non-fiscal benefits under Assam’s Industrial Policies
- Custom incentives in consultation with the Finance Department
3. Infrastructure Support
- All-weather roads, water, sanitation, schools, and health centers near projects
4. Single Window Clearance
- All state-level approvals within 60 days
- Central approvals to be facilitated
5. Carbon & Green Financing
- Support for registration under carbon credit mechanisms
- Facilitation of access to green bonds, ESG funds, and concessional climate finance
🧾 Metering, Banking, and Settlements
- Net metering: For residential ≤10 kW
- Net billing: For >10 kW
- Energy banking: Yearly basis for tea, coffee, and rubber categories
- Peer-to-peer energy trading allowed for residential up to 10 kW
⏳ Timelines & Enforcement
- Construction Start: Within 1 year of allotment
- Financial Closure: Within 6 months (extendable with justification)
- Commissioning Deadline: Specified in bid or PPA; delays may cancel land, incentives, or PPA
👥 Governance & Monitoring
- State Project Monitoring Committee chaired by Chief Secretary
- Includes Secretaries of Power, Industries, Land, Water, and CMDs of DISCOMs
- Housed under APDCL, monitors site-level progress to COD
🔄 Mid-Term Review & Amendments
- Policy review after 2 years or as needed
- Government empowered to issue clarifications or amendments to remove operational hurdles
🌞 Conclusion
The Assam Solar Power Generation Promotion Policy 2025 is a comprehensive, investment-friendly, and climate-aligned policy. With clear goals, generous incentives, and streamlined approvals, it is expected to transform Assam’s energy landscape, boost green jobs, and promote environmental sustainability.