Assam Hits Pause on Green Hydrogen Policy: Investors Hold Breath
Assam, Monday, 14 July 2025.
Assam’s sudden pause on its green hydrogen policy surprises investors and introduces new uncertainties. The state’s ambitions to lead in clean energy investments now hang in the balance, impacting future plans.
Investor Alarm Bells Ring
Oh, what a twist in the tale! Just when you thought Assam was fast-tracking to the future with its green hydrogen projects, they hit the pause button. The sudden suspension of Assam’s green hydrogen policy has caused quite a stir among investors, such as NTPC Green and Larsen & Toubro, who were all set to dive into bids for these projects. What’s going on behind the curtain here is the cut in incentives that initially made green hydrogen investment in Assam a sweet deal. Investors now find themselves wondering if Assam is a place where they can grow their green dreams or just see them wither away in policy flip-flops [1][2].
The Case of the Missing Transmission Subsidies
Here’s a curious case: Assam was dishing out some fine incentives for clean energy, but just last month, they took a sharp turn. In their solar policy, they dramatically reduced transmission subsidies and hiked up those pesky bank guarantee requirements [2][3]. This policy zig-zag has left many investors scratching their heads, looking for some consistency. Debabrat Ghosh of Aurora Energy Research states that what everyone really wants is predictability – even if the policies aren’t perfect, at least let them stay put for a bit! It’s like trying to hit a moving target otherwise. And add to that Assam’s dependency on power from neighbouring states, and you’ve got costs threatening to climb by 10-15% [1][4].
Rolling with the Policy Punches
Now, don’t throw in the towel just yet! Word is Assam is busy scribbling away on a new draft policy expected to emerge by the end of the month [1][2]. Principal Secretary Krishna Kumar Dwivedi hints that policies naturally shift with demands and requirements, but doesn’t quite spill the beans on why exactly this one came to a screeching halt [2]. Will Assam’s revised rules rekindle investor confidence? Well, everyone’s waiting with bated breath to see if this reset button can mend the gaping fault lines in policy stability.
A Glimpse at the Bigger Picture
Amidst all this swirling uncertainty, it’s important to acknowledge how strategic green hydrogen could be for Assam’s energy transition, not to mention for reducing carbon emissions [3]. But the clock is ticking, and as investors look for open doors, Assam’s current pause leaves more questions than answers about its green energy aspirations. This complicated dance with policy hasn’t just caused unrest among investors but highlighted the state’s struggles with consistent and attractive green energy initiatives. Some might even call it a ‘will-they-won’t-they’ saga.