Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Thursday said that renewal sources of energy are pollution–free, eco–friendly, viable and cost–effective and these sources of energy should be harnessed fully. Speaking at a seminar on “Empowering Assam: from Deficiency to Abundance – Tapping Small Hydro, Biomass & Solar Potential” at the Assam Administrative Staff College here, Gogoi said, “Assam has tremendous potential in renewable energy sector and it has to be harnessed in a big way so that electricity reaches out to each and every poor household and remotest corner of the State.” Inaugurating the seminar organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Chief Minister Gogoi said proper utilisation of the vast solar power, small hydropower and biomass potential would make Assam meet its power requirements and thus “bring in abundance where there is deficiency”. Attributing power as a catalyst for development, Gogoi said, “No State or society can forge ahead without power. It is through power we can bring about a sea change in the socio–economic lives of the common men.” The Chief Minister said the Government has taken up a slew of initiatives to make use of solar energy in the State. Gogoi exuded the optimism that the power plants coming up from renewal energy sources in the near future would bring in faster development in the State, particularly in the tea gardens and char areas. Making an appeal to the investors to invest in the power sector, Gogoi said, “The State has an investor–friendly environment. The threat perception no longer exists. ASSOCHAM’s own survey puts Assam in the fourth position among all States with regard to implementation of investment projects. Our government will extend all possible help to the investors who are willing to invest in the State.” In his keynote address, NK Das, Chairperson, Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission, said APDCL has been aiming towards the development and growth of renewal energy as an alternate source of energy in the State, and to meet its renewable purchase obligation (RPO) requirements.