The month of August saw a flurry of activities in the socio-political and economic landscape of Assam. The most remarkable among these was the signing of a memorandum of understanding which led to the formation of a joint venture company (JVC) between Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), and the public sector power giant NLCIL (formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited) to produce 1,000 megawatt of solar power across locations in Assam.
The fact that the JVC is a 49:51 venture with NLCIL as the major partner signals a decisive shift in the way the Government of Assam enterprise is now being seen by the outside world. It has already been emphasised across media outlets that the APDCL has, since the last year or so, been getting its act together. Today, not only does the discom is among the ones with the lowest debt burden vis-à-vis other discoms in the country, its earning is also inching up. The feather on the cap is that the APDCL has shown the confidence of handling itself as an almost equal partner in a JVC with a much-fancied power utility company in NLCIL. In one sense, it is also a vote of confidence in the ability of the State Government to handle debts, a fact which the Chief Minister
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma alluded to in his speech during the MoU signing ceremony.
Coming to the project, it goes without saying that the future of the world will lie in its ability to harness renewable energy. Not only do we owe it to the present generation, but to our progeny as well. This is also part of India’s commitment to the world to go carbon free by 2070.
The notable aspect of this deal is that the erstwhile economically underdeveloped districts of Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao and Dhubri will produce the lion share of solar power. It will lead to direct job creation in thousands while boosting the local economy. In the words of the Chief Minister, this is merely a beginning and more such projects are being envisaged by Dispur.
However, what should also be kept in mind is that even solar power production can lead to carbon footprints in the form of solar panels which are hazardous thereby demanding careful handling: A fact that should not be lost sight of.
