Assam's Solar Project to Boost Grid Stability with Battery Storage

The solar project in Assam will help in creating a battery energy storage system connected to the grid, aimed at maintaining grid stability and addressing peak power requirements. The Asian Development Bank announced that a solar project in Karbi Anglong district will build a grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) facility with a capacity of 500 MW.

The ADB has granted a loan of USD 434.25 million to enhance renewable energy capacity and enhance energy security in Assam. The storage system will be created through a partnership between APDCL and ONGC. Tripura Electricity Corporation Ltd.

"Addressing the renewable energy capacity shortage in Assam is crucial to meet growing demand and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, this project will help Assam develop a renewable energy road map and increase its solar energy capacity to achieve its target of 3,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030" said Jiwan Acharya, ADB Principal Energy Specialist .

ADB will assist in drawing private sector investments into renewable energy by enhancing the state's PPP framework and building its ability to oversee renewable energy PPP projects. The project aims to create a public-private partnership agreement for building a 250 MW solar PV plant in the Karbi Anglong district.

Replacing overhead power lines with aerial covered conductor cable and installing new distribution transformers will enhance electricity distribution in the solar PV facility and surrounding rural areas.