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Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during a high level review meeting on Thursday.

Guwahati, May 15: Just two days into his new term, Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma convened a series of important review meetings on Thursday, concentrating on boosting industrial development and enhancing the state's power infrastructure in anticipation of increased electricity demand during the summer.

In the initial review session, Sarma evaluated the progress of various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) established during the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, urging officials to provide prompt assistance to industries at various stages of development.

“I reviewed the status of these initiatives and am pleased to announce that over 60% of the investment commitments are progressing well, with several already operational. In the upcoming months, I will personally engage with industry leaders and stakeholders to ensure these investments are fully realized,” Sarma stated.

While discussing the Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor project, the Chief Minister noted that most legal obstacles have been cleared, and work on the project is set to accelerate soon.

Sarma also assessed the advancement of significant power sector initiatives involving Assam Power Distribution Company Limited, Assam Power Generation Corporation Limited, and Assam Electricity Grid Corporation Limited, considering the anticipated increase in electricity demand this summer.

Last year, Assam's peak power demand reached 2,950 MW, and it is projected to rise to 3,100 MW this summer.

“We expect the demand to reach 3,100 MW this summer. We are well-prepared to meet this requirement, and I have instructed Assam's three power distribution companies to ensure readiness,” he added.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need to accelerate ongoing thermal, solar, hydroelectric, and grid infrastructure projects to ensure Assam can meet its escalating energy needs.

Sarma's immediate attention to the power sector coincides with a significant increase in renewable energy installations across India. A report from JMK Research highlighted that the country achieved a record 44.6 GW of solar capacity and 6 GW of wind capacity in FY2026.

The report indicated that solar and wind installations surged by 87.2% and 45.6%, respectively, compared to the previous fiscal year.

As of March 31, 2026, India's total installed renewable energy capacity reached 275 GW, with solar energy contributing nearly 55% at 150.26 GW, followed by wind energy at 20% and large hydro projects at 19%. Bio power and small hydro made up 4% and 2%, respectively.

From April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, the nation added approximately 34.8 GW of new ground-mounted solar capacity, marking a 106% increase from the previous year. This surge was largely attributed to the completion of projects initiated under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s 50 GW annual bidding plan launched in 2023.