Guwahati, Feb 28: The Assam government has introduced the “Assam Integrated Clean Energy Policy – 2025”, aimed at promoting renewable energy and seamless grid integration. Notified on February 24, the policy includes specific provisions for the tea industry, a move hailed by the North Eastern Tea Association (NETA).
“We are extremely happy with this new policy. The tea industry stands to benefit greatly, and we sincerely thank Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for recognizing the industry’s unique energy needs,” said Bidyananda Barkakoty, Adviser, NETA.
The tea industry, known for its seasonal production cycles, faced a challenge where solar energy generated during off-season months (December to March) remained unutilized. Prior to this policy, there was no provision for carrying forward excess energy injected into the grid. The new policy now allows energy banking every year, enabling tea producers to store surplus solar energy and utilize it during peak production months.
The policy introduces special incentives under the “Policy Incentive for Tea, Coffee, and Rubber Consumers”, which include a limited to 1,000 kW per location (AC side) for tea, coffee, and rubber industries, surplus solar energy generated can be stored and utilized across the year, ensuring better energy efficiency for the sector and energy banking to be governed under Green Open Access Regulations, set to be notified by the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission (AERC).
NETA had been advocating for an annual billing cycle for the tea industry, highlighting its inconsistent energy consumption patterns. The association organized a seminar on solar power adoption in Assam’s tea industry in February 2022, where stakeholders, including the MD of Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL), participated. Following the seminar, NETA urged the government to allow an annual billing cycle instead of a monthly one—a request now incorporated into the policy.
With these changes, the tea industry is now positioned to fully embrace solar energy, reducing dependency on conventional power sources. “The days are not far when all tea factories in Assam will be 100% solar-powered,” Barkakoty remarked, highlighting a greener, more sustainable future for one of Assam’s most vital industries.
