Around 100 tea gardens have been solarized, with another 100 in progress. Industry shifting to solar power to reduce production costs.
Growth Conditions for Tea Cultivation
- Climate
- Tea thrives in tropical and sub-tropical
- Requires a hot and humid climate for optimal growth.
- Temperature
- Ideal range: 20°C – 30°C.
- Harmful conditions:
- Above 35°C (causes stress and reduced yield).
- Below 10°C (stunts growth and may damage plants).
- Rainfall
- Requires 150-300 cm of annual rainfall.
- Rainfall should be well distributed throughout the year.
- Soil
- Prefers slightly acidic soil (without calcium).
- Porous sub-soil allows good water drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Energy Consumption in Tea Production
- Tea production requires about 94 units of electricity per kg of tea.
- Many tea factories use natural gas and coal, leading to high costs and CO₂ emissions.
Environmental Concerns
- Tea factories emit ~3,292 kg of CO₂ per ton of tea produced.
- Tea plantations only absorb a fraction of these emissions.
- There is a significant gap between CO₂ emissions from production and absorption by tea crops.
Need for Renewable Energy
- Shift to solar, wind, and thermal energy is critical to reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Diesel generators increase power costs and impact tea quality due to voltage fluctuations.
Economic Benefits of Solarization
- Solar energy can cater to 35-40% of a tea garden’s electricity needs.
- Investment: ₹30 lakh for a 100kW solar plant → generates 330 units/day.
- Payback period: 5-4 years, with free power for 25-30 years.
Major Players in Solar Projects
- Tata Power: Installed solar systems in 50+ tea estates, 100 more in the pipeline.
- Roofsol: Completed 50+ solar projects in Assam, generating up to 10 lakh units/year per garden.
- Synchronization with diesel generators helps reduce diesel usage.
Government Initiatives & Future Prospects
- Assam Integrated Clean Energy Policy promotes renewable energy in the tea industry.
- “Green tagging” of Assam tea enhances its image in the export market.
- Energy banking policy by Assam government aids clean energy adoption.
