As Power Demand Surges, HVDC Seen as Key to Assam’s Energy and Industrial Growth
Guwahati;Rongili Barta: As Assam’s infrastructure and industrial base expand, the state’s electricity demand is set to rise sharply over the next decade, underscoring the need to strengthen transmission alongside generation capacity. To ensure reliable and continuous power supply to industry, experts are advocating the adoption of High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission systems.
Unlike conventional alternating current networks, HVDC technology can transmit large volumes of electricity over long distances with significantly lower losses. For a geographically distant and grid-constrained region like Assam, this efficiency is critical. The state’s peak power requirement is projected to nearly triple from 2,800 MW in FY 2024–25 to 6,153 MW by FY 2032–33, highlighting the urgency of robust transmission planning.
Assam’s Gross State Domestic Product has been growing at an annual rate of 8 to 9 percent, driven by infrastructure initiatives such as Asom Mala, the Act East Policy, and sustained investments across petroleum, tea, tourism, and logistics. This growth trajectory is expected to accelerate further, with rising demand from commercial, high-tension industrial, and bulk supply segments.
Industry stakeholders believe that strengthening transmission infrastructure, particularly through HVDC corridors, could unlock significant economic potential. “Investors prioritise reliability and scalability in power supply,” said a representative from an energy consultancy firm. “If Assam can offer seamless grid connectivity through HVDC, it can attract industries that require high-quality power, from advanced manufacturing to digital infrastructure.”
Large upcoming projects are expected to significantly increase electricity consumption. These include the Tata Semiconductor facility, along with capacity expansions by Oil India Limited and Numaligarh Refinery Limited. Under the Advantage Assam 2.0 initiative, manufacturing units with an aggregate demand of nearly 400 MW are being established. Overall, new industrial and infrastructure projects are likely to add around 1,000 MW to the state’s demand beyond baseline growth.
In parallel, Assam is planning two pumped storage projects of 900 MW each. These projects will require substantial charging power during off-peak hours, potentially increasing off-peak demand by an additional 1,800 MW. This evolving demand profile will require a more flexible and responsive transmission network.
Grid stability is another critical concern. The Northeast’s power system remains vulnerable to disruptions due to challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions. HVDC systems offer precise control over power flows, enabling operators to maintain stability even during sudden fluctuations, which becomes increasingly important as renewable energy integration rises.
“We are looking at a future where the Northeast can emerge as the ‘battery of India’,” said Saddaf Alam, an energy consultant. “But a modern economy cannot run on an ageing and constrained grid. HVDC allows us to bypass congestion in the narrow Siliguri Corridor by transmitting more power through a smaller footprint. It is essential to unlocking the region’s full energy potential.”
A senior expert echoed this view, saying, “Investment in HVDC sends a strong signal to industry. By reducing transmission losses and ensuring a steady flow of high-quality power, Assam can position itself as a competitive destination for energy-intensive sectors such as data centres and food processing. It is about ending the region’s energy isolation.”
However, challenges remain. HVDC systems require high upfront investment, particularly for converter stations, and demand specialised technical expertise. Despite this, industry experts argue that the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs.
“The cost of not building this infrastructure is far greater,” said Vikram Sarma, an infrastructure analyst. “Without adequate transmission, we risk creating stranded generation assets. HVDC is the critical bridge that can convert Assam’s natural and industrial potential into sustained economic growth.”