Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been actively engaging with top industrialists to attract investments, particularly in the green energy sector. These initiatives are part of the state’s broader strategy to promote renewable energy and infrastructure development ahead of the “Advantage Assam 2.0: Investment and Infrastructure Summit” scheduled for February 25-26, 2025.
Engagements with Industry Leaders
During a recent visit to Mumbai, CM Sarma met with Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his son Anant Ambani. The discussions centered on establishing Assam as India’s next hub for Industry 4.0, with a significant focus on green energy initiatives. The Chief Minister expressed optimism about potential collaborations that could drive the state’s transformation in this sector.
In another meeting, CM Sarma engaged with JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal to explore partnerships in infrastructure and energy. He highlighted Assam’s proactive steps to create an investor-friendly ecosystem, emphasizing the state’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure and energy sectors.
Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit
The upcoming Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit aims to showcase the state’s investment potential, with a particular emphasis on green energy and infrastructure. The event is expected to attract significant attention from industry leaders and investors, furthering Assam’s goal of becoming a key player in India’s sustainable development landscape.
Ongoing Green Energy Projects
Assam has already initiated several projects to bolster its green energy infrastructure. The state government has approved the Assam Startup and Innovation Policy, which offers various incentives to encourage entrepreneurs and support 5,000 startups, creating 100,000 job opportunities over the next five years. This policy underscores the state’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainable development.
In a landmark move, the state inaugurated the Janata Bhawan Solar Project, a 2.5-MW grid-connected rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV system. This project has made the Assam Secretariat Complex the first civil secretariat in India to rely entirely on solar-generated electricity, producing an average of 3 lakh units of electricity monthly and significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Additionally, the foundation stone for a 25-MW solar power generation project was laid at the Namrup Thermal Power Station in Dibrugarh district. This project is part of Assam’s strategy to enhance its green energy generation capacity and reduce dependence on external power sources.
Future Prospects
Assam’s renewable energy policy targets the production of 1,200 MW of energy, including at least 1,000 MW of solar power. The state is rapidly implementing projects to meet this goal, contributing significantly to India’s ambitious Net Zero targets. By actively engaging with industry leaders and implementing forward-thinking policies, Assam is positioning itself as a frontrunner in sustainable development. The state’s focus on green energy not only aims to meet its growing power demands but also to ensure environmental sustainability, economic growth, and improved quality of life for its residents. As the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit approaches, the state’s efforts to attract investments in green energy and infrastructure are expected to yield substantial benefits, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future.