Solar Potential and Installed Capacity
Assam’s renewable energy potential is about 14,487 MW, with solar energy making up the largest share (≈ 13,760 MW) within that potential.
In the rooftop solar (RTS) segment, Assam has an estimated technical potential of about 13,428 MW.
However, the current rooftop solar generation is much smaller—around 60 MW, representing a small fraction of its rooftop potential.
Assam’s Targets & Policies on Renewable Energy
Assam has set some ambitious goals under its Integrated Clean Energy Policy (ICEP). It aims to generate 1,900 MW of rooftop solar by 2030.
By 2027, Assam plans to produce 3,000 MW of solar power, expanding its utility scale as well.
Assam’s Ranking Compared with Other Indian States with Renewable Energy
In terms of installed cumulative solar capacity, Assam lagged behind many leading solar-states. As of mid-2023, Assam had around 155.70 MW of solar installed capacity.
In rankings, Assam stands much lower than states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu etc., which have multiple gigawatts of solar capacity.
Key Gaps & Challenges with Renewable Energy in Assam
The gap between potential vs actual rooftop installations is very large: Assam has only tapped a small percentage of its rooftop solar potential.
Much of solar energy in Assam still comes from policy announcements rather than fully operational projects.
Summary: Where Assam Stands on Renewable Energy
Assam has one of the highest estimated solar potentials among Northeast states, but actual solar capacity installed is relatively low compared to big solar states.
The state is in the early to mid-stages of scaling up solar (both rooftop and utility scale).
With the clean energy policy, Assam is aiming to close the gap, but as of now, its usage is modest relative to its potential and compared to leading solar states.
