The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) held a conclave titled ‘Energizing North East’ in Guwahati, aimed at exploring and unlocking the energy potential of the Northeast region. The event convened industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
Key Address and Highlights:
Emphasized the region’s untapped natural resources. Stressed the goal of harnessing these resources sustainably to ensure economic, social, and environmental prosperity.
Highlighted the hydro-power potential due to the region's rivers and water springs and the unexploited gas reserves affected by technological and financial barriers.
Discussion on Assam’s reliance on gas-based power, which makes up 31% of the state’s energy mix, significantly higher than the national average of 6%.
Challenges such as outdated infrastructure, high transmission and distribution losses, and the complexity of power infrastructure development in Assam’s diverse terrain.
Assam's AT&C losses of 16.95% in FY 21, slightly higher than the national average of 16.44%.
Assam’s rapid industrialization and increasing power demand. Need for greater private sector involvement in power generation projects and suggestion to utilizing unused AIDC properties for solar installations.
Emphasis on energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, biomass, and micro-hydro. Renewable energy currently accounts for only 0.88% of India’s energy usage and called for a significant increase.
This conclave underscored the Northeast's significant energy potential and highlighted the need for innovative solutions and collaborative efforts to address the region's energy challenges and leverage its resources for sustainable development.
