Assam: APDCL inks pacts with 7 entities to procure 1757 MW of power

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: The Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) has signed long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with 7 upcoming power generation plants to meet the future demand for power. The 7 upcoming power generators are calculated to provide 1757 MW of power to APDCL once the projects are completed.

According to APDCL sources, the demand for power in the state during summer is 1200 to 1800 MW during off-peak hours and 1800 to 2890 MW during peak hours. During the winter season, the off-peak demand ranges from 700 to 1200 MW and 1200 to 1700 during peak hours. They have also stated that the projected increase in the demand based on the last 5 years’ Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is around 7.88%.

APDCL has Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with 36 sources. The total availability of power from these PPAs is a maximum of 1700 MW, and the remaining quantum is met through Short Term Agreements, Short Term Tenders and the Power Exchange.

APDCL sources stated that, combined with the planned capacities totalling 1257 MW (208 MW from NHPC Subansiri, 500 MW under the SHAKTI Policy, 120 MW Lower Kopili, 175 MW Punatsangchhu Bhutan, 154 MW NTPC Talcher, and 100 MW SECI WS Hybrid) and the 500 MW solar addition, the total new capacity will generate significant surplus.

The APDCL has inked PPAs with the following upcoming stations—SHAKTI Policy 500 MW, to be commissioned by 2025-26; Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project, 120 MW, to be commissioned by 2026-27; SECI (Solar-Wind Hybrid) 100 MW, to be commissioned by 2026-27; NHPC Subansiri, 208 MW, to be commissioned by 2026-27; Punatsangchhu-II, Bhutan, 175 MW, to be commissioned by 2026-27; NTPC Talcher, 154 MW, to be commissioned by 2027-28; and from Solar 500 MW, which is expected to be commissioned by 2027-28.

APDCL mentioned that the proposals for long-term PPAs come for round-the-clock (RTC) power only. They also stated that generators are interested in RTC power only so that machines need not be stopped during off-peak hours. APDCL also highlighted that as such, the option of procurement of power in the peak hours lies only with the Power Exchange. But, since last year, the availability of power in the exchanges has reduced, especially during peak hours in the summer season.

 Also Read: APDCL Nagaon Quickly Restores Power; Officials Praised for Action

Also Watch: